Offering constructive criticism to the social cripples in our midst since early 2005.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

Originally posted by Spanky
I think you are implying that because they are inalienable they cannot be taken away. But however, I don't believe that is correct.

Black's law Dictionary: "the characteristic of those things which cannot be bought sold or transferred from one person to another, such as rivers and public highways, and certain personal rights."

Although you cannot sell or transfer your rights the government can take them away under certain circumstances (of course under the due process of law). Or did you think that Thomas Jefferson was against the death penalty and incarcerating criminals?

I think you are confusing the extent of the right with whether it can be taking away. E.g., a libel action is not an infringement on your right to free speech because that right does not let you say just anything.