Issue Position: Inherent Rights

Issue Position

The United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution do not create rights. Instead, our Constitutions merely recognize rights which inherently belong to every human being because we are made in the image of God. Our Constitutions exist to limit Government to keep it from infringing on our inherent rights.

I believe in the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed . . . ."

I am a firm supporter of the inherent right of individuals to think, speak, associate, petition and exercise their religion freely according to the dictates of their own consciences. One of the chief ends of Government is to protect these inherent rights. These rights are best protected when the Constitution is interpreted according to its original intent.

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