The Source of Individual Rights and America’s Founding Principles

On September 30, 2021, Kim Monson hosts a special Liberty Toastmasters Table Topics show where members from both Denver and Longmont clubs wrestle with a fundamental question of American political philosophy: where do our individual rights come from? With in-studio guest Terri Goon facilitating, seven Toastmasters each offer distinct perspectives on whether rights are inherent in humanity, endowed by a Creator, or something more nuanced.

Principles Versus Ideology in American Founding

Start listening at 27:35 – Hour 1

Jeffrey Reeves draws a sharp distinction between ideology and principle that cuts to the heart of the debate. He argues that America was not founded on ideology, which by definition changes and fluctuates, but on enduring principles that remain constant across generations. Citing Merriam-Webster’s definition of ideology as “visionary theorizing,” Reeves contends that the Declaration of Independence represents something fundamentally different: timeless truths about human nature and rights.

Reeves explains that while personal values and ideologies shift throughout life, the principles enshrined in America’s founding documents do not. He points to progressives since Woodrow Wilson as driving Americans away from these founding principles toward an ever-changing ideology “anathema to the Constitution.” Having the Declaration of Independence displayed next to his desk, Reeves reads it regularly to reinforce what he calls America’s identity as “a principled country.”

“The difference between ideology and a principled statement is that an ideologue changes. It’s a transient thing. Ideologies change. Principles don’t change.”

Jeffrey Reeves, Liberty Toastmasters Denver

The Divine Spark and Religious Freedom

Start listening at 30:54 – Hour 1

Rick Rome, president of Liberty Toastmasters Denver, focuses on what he calls the “divine spark” inherent in human nature. He argues that the Founders understood this spiritual dimension so deeply that they enshrined religious freedom in the First Amendment. Rome draws parallels between the callings of clergy and police officers, both serving communities through vocations that recognize human dignity.

Rome observes that COVID-era policies revealed how the political left understands the power of this divine nature. By targeting both religious gatherings as “super spreader events” and police through defunding movements, progressives sought to sever people from their religious experience and replace faith-based community services with state-sponsored alternatives. This coordinated assault on both religion and law enforcement, Rome argues, demonstrates that opponents of liberty recognize the threat posed by acknowledging the divine source of rights.

“The left understands that divine nature of humanity, and in order to be able to implement their ideas, they have to sever us each from our own experience religiously.”

Rick Rome, President, Liberty Toastmasters Denver

Creator-Endowed Rights and the Declaration

Start listening at 34:35 – Hour 1

Christie Whaley questions the framing that rights are “inherent in humanity” rather than endowed by a Creator. As a Leadership Program of the Rockies graduate, she notes that the Declaration explicitly states we are “endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Without a Creator, Whaley argues, there is no foundation for rights, leaving only “the law of the jungle” where might makes right.

Whaley marvels at the Founders’ decision to explain to King George why they were declaring independence rather than simply leaving. This respect for due process and human dignity, she contends, demonstrates how seriously they took the concept of inherent rights applying to all people, even tyrants. The profound wisdom of these men in creating both the Declaration and Constitution continues to inspire her study of founding documents.

“If we don’t have a creator, then I think it’s the law of the jungle. It’s the might makes right and get all the goodies while you can.”

Christie Whaley, Liberty Toastmasters Denver

Rights Inherent and Equal for All

Start listening at 38:30 – Hour 1

Anthony Hartsook emphasizes that regardless of the theological debate, the crucial point is that rights are NOT granted by government. He notes the careful wording that rights are “inherent in” humanity rather than “derived from” humanity. Whether one calls the source Providence or something else, the bottom line remains: government cannot bestow rights, only protect or violate them.

Hartsook traces the consequences of government overreach throughout history, from slavery to human trafficking, as examples of unjust processes that violate inherent rights. He calls for limited government focused on its core functions of providing safety and security while respecting due process. Citizens must hold elected officials accountable for honoring these inherent individual rights.

“The bottom line, the important message is our rights are not given to us by the government. They’re inherent and they’re equal. Everyone is equal.”

Anthony Hartsook, Liberty Toastmasters Denver

Rediscovering Constitutional Principles

Start listening at 44:05 – Hour 1

Greg Morrissey, Sergeant at Arms for Liberty Toastmasters North, shifts the discussion toward practical action. He asks how Americans can help others “rediscover” the founding principles that seem increasingly forgotten. With leftist media control obscuring constitutional principles, Morrissey sees an opportunity amid COVID confusion to bring people back to the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Morrissey acknowledges the challenge ahead but insists it must be met. He envisions grassroots efforts to put the country back on the path of “one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.” While this will not happen overnight and must be earned, the current political moment offers an opening to reach those seeking truth.

“We would have to get everyone to rediscover those founding principles that made this country what it is. But to get that word out to those people, to everyone, to rediscover it, that’s going to be kind of a tough job. But I think it’s a job we have to do.”

Greg Morrissey, Sergeant at Arms, Liberty Toastmasters North

Faith, Self-Preservation, and the Second Amendment

Start listening at 48:07 – Hour 1

Marshall Dawson acknowledges the philosophical complexity of the question. He notes that both claiming rights come from humanity and from God require faith. Yet he builds on Christie Whaley’s insight that humanity itself comes from God, making the two positions ultimately compatible. The consensus among all speakers, he notes, is that rights definitely do not come from government.

Dawson connects the discussion to self-preservation and the Second Amendment. While some claim the amendment concerns hunting or even self-defense, Dawson argues its true purpose is protecting citizens against tyranny. He concludes that government can give material things but cannot bestow rights, and any taking of labor, property, or even spirit by government force constitutes theft.

“Rights do not come from government. They never have. Governments can only give you stuff, but they can’t bestow rights.”

Marshall Dawson, Liberty Toastmasters North

Facilitating the Discussion

Start listening at 4:24 – Hour 1

Terri Goon, president of Liberty Toastmasters North, sets up the table topics discussion and provides insightful commentary throughout. She introduces the central question from the Leadership Program of the Rockies curriculum about whether individual rights are “inherent in our humanity and not derived from governments.” Goon expresses her own uncertainty about this framing, noting it differs from the Declaration’s language about being “endowed by our Creator.”

Throughout the show, Goon synthesizes the various perspectives, noting Rick Rome’s concept of the “divine spark” as a unifying thread. She observes that humanity’s divine nature explains how rights can be both inherent in our humanity and endowed by God. The discussion, she concludes, reinforces that however one frames the source, rights clearly do not originate from government.

“Hope is not abundant these days. And so to have people that are starting to speak out and stand their ground, people like the basketball stars, Jonathan Isaac, who just went viral, talking about not getting the vaccine.”

Terri Goon, President, Liberty Toastmasters North