Week 2 Cartoon

This cartoon shows a government employee standing on the American Bill of Rights. Behind the soldier is a pile of weapons (including knives, pistols and rifles) along with books. The idea that knowledge is power encourages the citizens of the American government to increase the value that is placed on books and the freedom that they foster. The government employee is trampling the rights of the American people and taking their freedom to communicate thoughts (1^st Amendment) as well as their ability to protect themselves through the right to bear arms (2^nd Amendment). The citizen is kneeling on the fireplace in his own home, indicating that the government has invaded his right to privacy (a mix of the 3^rd and 4^th Amendments). The person is begging for the recognition of his rights, but the government is about to stomp down on those rights, as indicated by the looming boot of a soldier over the citizen. The idea that the books and weapons will be forcibly taken from the home is affirmed because the government employee has a rifle around his back.  Additionally, the rifle around the government employee’s back indicates the brutal subjugation that will come after the peaceful citizens (those who hope for the best from their government) have been removed from any potential conflict. This cartoon represents a very real possibility in that our government faces daily debates that will either lead to an increased amount of governmental power or continued freedoms for the people.