To the editor:

Sven Erik Alstrom, of Lawrence, asserts that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights goes beyond the U.S. Bill of Rights in protecting “the range of civil liberties.” I will agree with him in that statement. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution have nothing to do with “civil liberties,” which are privileges granted by the state and may be withdrawn by the state.

The EU document provides a framework empowering the governments to define and regulate rights. This is a product of the progressive movement that is based on the premise that the people are too stupid and corrupt to govern themselves. The American Bill of Rights is a recognition of existing rights and a prohibition on government. This arises out of distrust by the anti-federalist movement of the powers granted in the body of the Constitution.

The civil liberties stance has, in fact, eroded individual rights in this country in that the term privilege is often used and the public welfare, convenience and necessity has entered into the issue of speech and press.

No, Mr. Alstrom, give me limitations on the power of government, not an elite to guard my liberties. And, ultimately, the Iraqi constitution will reflect Iraq, not the occupying powers.

Earl L. Haehl,

Lawrence