Alan Caruba's blog is a daily look at events, personalities, and issues from an independent point of view. Copyright, Alan Caruba, 2015. With attribution, posts may be shared. A permission request is welcome. Email acaruba@aol.com.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Pursuit of Happiness
Name another country that says its citizens have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? There aren't any!
In Section 11 of Chapter 2 (The Bill of Rights) of the South African Constitution states that everyone has "the right to life". Section 7 gives them "dignty, equality and freedom". There are so many other rights given that, I suppose, the law makers just assumed they'd be happy. ;-)
The Union of South Africa was born on 31 May 1910, with the amalgamation of 2 British Colonies and the 2 (3 really) Boer Republics which had been defeated by the British. This was celebrated as Union Day until SA become a republic on 31st May 1961, whereafter it was celebrated as Republic Day. However you are correct as this is no longer celebrated as its birthday as "Freedom Day" is now celebrated to mark the day of the first democratic elections and falls on a different day.
Alan, this is not meant as a critique, but here in Australia, we also have our own 'birthday' per se, the 26th January, the date of the first settlement as a colony, 26th January 1788. This is our National Day we celebrate each and every year. I hope you don't mind my adding a link to a post from our home site explaining our 'big' day.
Right on, Ronbo; we didn't dream of how tenuous our grip on this republic and it's Constitution was until Obama became president. BHO is a concern secondary only to those millions who would vote for him. People like Obama come and go, but his voting base is with us to stay, I fear.
Canada also has a birthday, on July 1st. we are not as old as the US but we still have a birthday party with fireworks, BBQ and , of course, lots of beer, Eh!
In Section 11 of Chapter 2 (The Bill of Rights) of the South African Constitution states that everyone has "the right to life". Section 7 gives them "dignty, equality and freedom". There are so many other rights given that, I suppose, the law makers just assumed they'd be happy. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe Union of South Africa was born on 31 May 1910, with the amalgamation of 2 British Colonies and the 2 (3 really) Boer Republics which had been defeated by the British. This was celebrated as Union Day until SA become a republic on 31st May 1961, whereafter it was celebrated as Republic Day. However you are correct as this is no longer celebrated as its birthday as "Freedom Day" is now celebrated to mark the day of the first democratic elections and falls on a different day.
Close enough?
Alan,
ReplyDeletethis is not meant as a critique, but here in Australia, we also have our own 'birthday' per se, the 26th January, the date of the first settlement as a colony, 26th January 1788. This is our National Day we celebrate each and every year.
I hope you don't mind my adding a link to a post from our home site explaining our 'big' day.
http://papundits.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/26th-january-australia-day/
Tony.
UP THE REPUBLIC!
ReplyDeleteThe woman asked Ben Franklin, "What will it be, Dr. Franklin, a monarchy or a republic?"
"A republic, madam, if you can keep it."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
Thank you, gentlemen. I learn something new every day.
ReplyDeleteRight on, Ronbo; we didn't dream of how tenuous our grip on this republic and it's Constitution was until Obama became president. BHO is a concern secondary only to those millions who would vote for him.
ReplyDeletePeople like Obama come and go, but his voting base is with us to stay, I fear.
Canada also has a birthday, on July 1st. we are not as old as the US but we still have a birthday party with fireworks, BBQ and , of course, lots of beer, Eh!
ReplyDeleteMy bad,Victor. I have a number of Canadian friends and had even wished them a happy Canada Day.
ReplyDeleteAs near as I can determine, Republicans desire to maintain this nation as a republic, where Democrats would like to convert it into a democracy.
ReplyDeleteThe guarantee of a right to pursue happiness does not assure happiness, nor in my mind should government attempt to legislate happiness.
Happy 4th of July, Alan, and I wish you good fortune in your own pursuit of happiness.
Thank you, Larry. I am reminded that life comes with no guarantees except for an expiration date.
ReplyDelete