Platform : Should We Have a Bill of Responsibilities? : <i> The Bill of Rights protects many cherished freedoms. But should we also say that Americans owe something positive, perhaps adherence to a “Bill of Responsibilities” that balances rights with obligations? </i>

JOHN BROESAMLE, Professor of American political history, Cal State Northridge

The framers of the Constitution had a strong sense of civic (duty); (but) especially over the past 50 years, a sense of entitlement has displaced obligation. In fact, the Bill of Rights is an overwhelmingly negative document--a set of “shall nots” and the main institution that “shall not” is government. That reflects our national view of democracy. Over time, Americans have tended to think of freedom as freedom from responsibility.

(Instead we’ve) adopted a vast body of law to mandate obligations. For example, President Clinton’s welfare plan would obligate the physically able to take work. Conceivably, a national health care plan would provide benefits (but might also) mandate not smoking.

In view of the difficulty enforcing the laws as they stand, we would do better to work toward increased civic consciousness.

TAMMY BRUCE, President, Los Angeles Chapter, National Organization for Women

The idea of responsibility is not a bad one, and we’re certainly missing it in a number of communities; but I think it’s the communities’ and the individual’s (job), not the federal government’s. My initial reaction is that (in practice a Bill of Responsibilities) would seem contradictory to democratic society.

MIGUEL SANTANA,Community Affairs Assistant, MALDEF

To legislate interaction--how people should treat each other--is tricky. Within the law there could be guidance and encouragement of certain behavior--of respect, of understanding, of compassion. And our laws are designed to encourage people to do that. You can’t just (commit) a crime (against) somebody. You’re violating their rights when you do that. People should be encouraged to be politically aware, to vote, and to be full participants in the political process. But to actually obligate people to vote, for example, I think that contradicts the whole idea of a Bill of Rights.

MICHAEL METZLER, President, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce

I’m not sure we need an additional set of rights or responsibilities in the Constitution. However, I do believe that there needs to be some effort on behalf of our society to become more responsible for the issues and concerns we have.

Over the last few years businesses have had to reinvent themselves. Government must do the same thing at all levels (as in privatization of services). But in return business has to understand that many social issues, like education, must be solved by business, or by business as partner with government, and that means paying for those things.

MILTON GRIMES, Attorney, Santa Ana Heights; represents Rodney King

I don’t know how we’re going to address this problem we have in the United States--in particular with the racial situation. Whether or not to give the government another law--as a potential victim (who) would supposedly benefit, I guess I should say, “Yeah, we need another law.” But, you know, I think we need some more teaching, some more learning--more so than law. I think it goes back to the early years of parenting. I don’t think you can legislate this thing.