The United States Constitution was designed as an instrument of restraint on the federal government and any faction that would take hold of the government at the expense of the several states and the people.
Unfortunately, many people love to cry out "It's my right," when they wish to engage in selfish behavior at the expense of others. By misusing the term, they act as if just saying it accords them to do as they please.
Yet rights are just as much a restraint on "we the people" as on the government, and never meant to be an advancement to heedless, or hedonistic license. Rights by their nature not only enhance our well-being, but when practiced enhance the being of others and their practice of those same rights. Rights in a civilized society are not offerings for rampant misconduct or selfish self-promotion at the expense of others.
If my speech prevents another from speaking out in turn, then I do not have that right. If my assembly threatens the well-being of others, then I am not permitted to assemble. My faith cannot prevent the free exercise of religion -- or refusal to believe -- of others.
By right, I do not have the right to have my rights, then do wrong and undo the rights of others.
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