A recent study conducted by the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum revealed some decidedly discouraging news: far more people can name all the members of the Simpson family than can name the five rights provided by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. How large was the disparity? Huge: 22% of Americans could name all five Simpson family members while only one in 1,000 could name all five First Amendment freedoms.
Ok, I agree that’s pretty pathetic, but I can see not being able to name all five. There is that one niggling one about the right to petition… But the survey highlighted some other disturbing notions:
- 17% thought the right to drive a car was protected
- While 28% could name two freedoms granted, 52% could name at least two Simpsons characters
- More people (24%) could name the three American Idol judges than three of the five rights (7%)
- Twenty percent thought you had the inalienable right to own a pet
- Almost 40% said the right against self-incrimination was included. (Apparently, these people aren’t familiar with the term “plead the Fifth.”)
[Visit the Freedom Museum]
[Download the survey results]
[Download the survey report]
I don’t lmow the Simpsons but I know my rights.I have a right to a monthly welfare check.I have a right to free medical care.I have a right to make stupid comments on people’s blogs.i have the right to remain silent.I have the right to not have my phone taped by Bush’s Fascist police.These are my rights and I will fight to the death for them.
The Right to Remain Ignorant… that’s the one I always forget… I wonder if that’s ironic?