In the current political landscape, a critical debate is raging over the nature of rights and their origin. Many conservatives firmly believe that our rights are granted not by government but by a higher power—God. This fundamental principle, often referred to as “natural rights,” encompasses essential freedoms such as free speech, the right to own property, religious liberty, and the right to bear arms. These rights are not negotiable, nor should they be limited by government authority. They are inherent to every individual from the moment of conception.
The concept of natural rights poses a significant threat to liberal ideologies which often favor an expansive government that seeks to regulate various aspects of personal life. When conservatives assert that rights come from God and nature, they strip the government of its power to arbitrate or define these rights. This notion is deeply unsettling for those on the left, who prefer a narrative where rights are conditional and subject to government approval. A government that acknowledges God-given rights cannot effectively expand its control over citizens’ lives without infringing upon these rights.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to the protection of life. The right to life, in particular, is the foundational principle upon which all other rights depend. Without recognizing a child’s right to life at conception, society risks deteriorating into moral ambiguity regarding when life—and thus rights—begin. This debate reaches far beyond individual opinion; it is a matter of aligning societal values with the principles laid out in our founding documents, which emphasize rights as self-evident and inalienable.
It is imperative that younger generations understand the immediacy of their rights. As the discussion indicates, these rights are not something to be conferred upon reaching a certain age or after government approval; they are innate and present from the very beginning of life. Knowledge of this reality can empower young conservatives to advocate for themselves and their peers, reminding everyone that rights do not diminish with age or experience but are an intrinsic part of human existence.
In a world where liberal narratives often seek to redefine the meaning of rights and government’s role in granting them, the conservative stance emphasizes a simple but powerful truth: rights are given by nature and God and cannot be taken away by man. This principle serves as a rallying cry for those who believe in the sanctity of life and the importance of liberty. As the fight for conservative values continues, it is crucial to maintain focus on the true origin of our rights and to stand firmly against any notion that suggests they are subject to government sanction. The future of the nation and the preservation of its core values depend on this understanding and commitment.
