English as the Official Language of the U. S. A.

Whose English?

Appalachian English - close to the way that the Colonists spoke

English as the Official Language of the U. S. A.

Whose English?

Map of American English dialects - Transcript Linguists draw their own maps of North America to mark different dialect areas. To use their terms, we've started in eastern New England ...

Amendment IX

Liberties that we enjoy:

Some say these are unhealthy, but we're still at liberty to enjoy.

True, tobacco and alcohol are heavily taxed, but that's another issue.

I recommend moderation, especially smoking. (But who asked my opinion?)

Photo Credit: Istockphoto

Amendment IX

Liberties that we enjoy:

We imbibe as we wish, although it's illegal to drive under the influence. This liberty is limited only for the safety of others.

There's a lesson to learn from the fiasco of constitutionally prohibited liquor.

Photo Credit: Istockphoto

Amendment IX

Liberties that we enjoy:

We're free to travel across state lines and secure passports easily.

Photo Credit: Istockphoto

Amendment IX

Liberties that we enjoy:

No one tells us what to eat.

Photo Credit: Istockphoto

Amendment IX

"The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."

Comments by Nate Segal

The Ninth Amendment lets us citizens know that we have additional civil liberties although the Constitution does not enumerate what they are.

One classmate mentioned that the decision to have children is not an enumerated right, but we all recognize that we possess this liberty.

(I am not addressing the issue of birth control. The Shakers, for example, created a social experiment and decided that they would not bear children. They refrained from sex altogether. They, and we also, are free to decide not to have sex although the Constitution is silent, not enumerating a civil liberty to decide and act accordingly.)