Why We Homeschool

On my personal blog I posted about how we came to be a homeschool family. I am writing this post to further that conversation to what has reinforced our decisions and why we strongly urge others to look into options outside of government education.

Our decision to homeschool was not really a decision at all. It was more of a realization. We were happy with our children at home. We didn't see the need to send them off to be raised by someone else. We later discovered why we felt that way. Our children are gifts from God. He has bestowed upon us a great responsibility. To raise these children in his light. How can we do that when those who seek to destroy him are the ones who are molding their minds.

As the years have passed since this journey began, I realize how blessed we are to have taken this path. Each week we are reaffirmed in our decision to homeschool. There are so many reasons we homeschool. Here are just a few

I am opposed to free education as much as I am opposed to taking

property from one man and giving it to another who knows not how to

take care of it... I do not believe in allowing my charities to go

through the hands of robbers who pocket nine-tenths themselves and

give one tenth to the poor... Would I encourage free schools by

taxation? No! (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses Vol. 18, p. 357)

There is absolutely nothing in the Constitution which authorizes the federal government to enter into the field of education. Furthermore, the Tenth Amendment says: "The powers not delegated to the United States Government are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Nothing could be more clear. It is unconstitutional for the federal government to exercise any powers over education. 

(The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 298.) 

I do not agree with social programs in this manner. As I have written in other posts, I disagree with government run welfare, healthcare and other such programs.

It does seem to me that we parents have not only lost all control as

to what our own flesh and blood - I use that term instead of children

because I should like to make the ugly fact as poignant as possible -

I say we have lost all control as to what our own are taught... and

also we are not even consulted about these matters. Now as a matter of

principle, surely we who pay the costs and furnish the students might

with propriety have some voice in what they whom we pay shall teach

those students... I am willing that every man shall believe what he

wishes, print what he wishes, and say what he wishes within his

Constitutional rights, but I am not willing that he shall exploit all

his idiosyncrasies in teaching my flesh and blood while I pay the

bill! I insist that he shall have all the personal freedom he can

carry, but I am not willing to extend that full and complete freedom

into a gross license and then pay him to abuse that license to distort

and debase the minds and hearts and bodies of those who belong to me

and are dearer to me than life itself. (J.Rueben Clark,  Prophets,

Principles and National Survival, p. 188.)

I believe this whole heartedly. This is what motivates me each day to homeschool.

The ultimate purpose of the adversary, who has “great wrath, because

he knoweth that he hath but a short time,” is to disrupt, disturb, and

destroy the home and the family. Like a ship without a rudder, without

a compass, we drift from the family values which have anchored us in

the past. Now we are caught in a current so strong that unless we

correct our course, civilization as we know it will surely be wrecked

to pieces. Moral values are being neglected and prayer expelled from

public schools on the pretext that moral teaching belongs to religion.

At the same time, atheism, the secular religion, is admitted to class,

and our youngsters are proselyted to a conduct without morality.

(Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 1994 P. 19)

Each parent is different, but for me, just one or two stories of children having sex on school buses, back rows of classrooms, the violence of gang rapes caught on cell phones, put me in mama bear mode. My children are too young and innocent to be put into situations where those actions are possible. They need a much stronger moral guide before they can be able to stand up for those morals against a vast sea of immorality.

Since public schools are supported by taxation, parents are compelled 

to finance them. Even though the law may allow them to send their

children to private schools, in order to do so they must support two

educational systems at once, and this the vast majority of them feel

themselves unable to do. Since the law compels them to go to some

school, the net effect of all this is to force nearly all children

into the public system. Therefore, those who favor socialized

education take the position that the state and not the parents should

have the responsibility of training children during a certain period

of their lives. Nor should it be imagined that the parent can control

the education of his child in the public system. When the state hires

the teachers, selects the courses and textbooks, and dictates where

the child shall attend, it is impossible for individual preferences to

be respected regarding these vital matters. (H. Verlan Anderson, The

Great and Abominable Church of the Devil, p. 134)

Any system, therefore, which forcibly takes from the parents the power

to control what their children are taught, and who teaches them, is

contrary to the Lord's plan. It deprives parents of their most sacred

stewardship and takes the child away from those who are most deeply

concerned with his welfare. No state employee whose purpose in

teaching is to get gain can be expected to serve the interests of the

child as well as the parents who render their service without

compensation. More especially this is true when the teacher is

prohibited by law from instilling faith in the child... Since

state-financed education is one of the principle doctrines of

communism, those who accept it have adopted much of the socialist

program... It is a widely recognized fact that public schools and

universities are the foremost advocates of socialism because they

teach it both in theory and in practice. (H. Verlan Anderson, The Great and Abominable

Church of the Devil, p. 135-136.)

Its is becoming all to obvious that the State considers our children "their" children. As someone who has seen first hand how the state will use any excuse to justify their intervention into the rearing of my children, I assure you its not "about the children". Its about the adults they will become. And independent, strong willed, individuated, Christian children are a threat to the State. They continue to take away our rights as parents. And will do so untill we as parents stand up to them.

Let us never lose sight of the fact that education is a preparation for life -- and that preparing for life is far more than knowing how to make a living or how to land on the moon. Preparing for life means building personal integrity,developing a sound sense of values, increasing the capacity and willingness to serve. Education must have its roots in moral principles. If we lose sight of that fact in our  attempt to match our educational system against that of the materialists, we shall have lost far more than we could possibly gain. (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 297)

Let us be sure our educational system turns out young men and women of character, who know the basic facts of economics, free enterprise, history, finance, and government and who have a respect for law and an appreciation of the spiritual - otherwise that educational system will truly have been a failure." (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.301)

Our educational system IS a failure. It has been failing for a far many years. I have come to wonder if it was every truly successful. Yes, many bright and talented children have come out of government education, but the system has failed us and our children. Our children are not learned in the ways of the world. They do not know basic facts of economics, free enterprise, history, finance, and government. They have little respect for law and are disciplined for showing any appreciation of their spirituality. 

For these reasons, and many more, we have chosen to educate our children at home.

How government welfare contradicts Christianity

"Welfare is not a program but the essence of the gospel. It is the gospel in action. It is the crowning principle of a Christian life".  Spencer W. Kimball

Having a large family we are often asked how do we afford our children. To which I reply"children are not expensive lifestles are expensive". Stop to think of the bulk of your necessary bills. Rent/mortgage remains relativly the same.. Infact I pay less now for rent than I did when I had two children. Almost 50% less. My electricity and water are the average of what most everyone else pays.. sometimes less as we do not run air conditioning and such. We are frugal with our groceries and clothing. We buy food when it is on sale and most of our clothing is from donations from freecycle or people we know or yard sale finds. We live simply.

But usually the comments arise about government welfare programs. I think it has to do with the fact that large families are a thing of the past and Satan has convinced modern day parents that they cannot afford to accept blessings from Heavenly Father. My husband and I are as morally opposed to such programs just as we are opposed to pornography, alcohol and abortion. Obviously not all on the same platform, but you get the idea. Affording our children is not all that difficult, provided we are given the opportunity to do so. 

Welfare is more than just financial needs. When a person or family needs welfare they need more than just a way to pay a few bills. Something has gone awry that prevents them from being able to take care of themselves. Whether it be illness, injury, death, divorce, job loss, or just bad personal choices they are in need. Throwing money at the problem only helps them temporarily. There is so much more that individual or family needs. They need much more than a fish. If a widow is lonely offer your company. If a person is ill or injured offer them your time and help them to do the things they cannot. If a father needs employment help him get his foot in the door. If children need help coping with death or divorce spend some time with them and help them feel speical. Do not shun the person recovering from bad habits because they made those choices. Work to inspire them to do better.

The government welfare program is dangerous to our society. It creates a replacement for compassion. We no longer seek to serve our neighbors. We just say "oh there is a government program for that" we feel that we paid our taxes we have done our part. But we haven't. In most cases the taxes you have paid barely cover your portion of basic infrastructure. The taxes that go for these programs usually comne from those in higher income brackets, those usually labeled as the "elite" or "uber rich", you know the ones who are labeled as greedy and selfish. They are demonized for their success. This is how we justify taking this money. If those who had the money are evil, then we feel better taking their property. Their money. They are bad people who don't deserve it. Somehow they haven't earned it and they owe you. This gives people the illusion that they are entitled to someone elses property... we then give the government power to seize thet property by force and violence if needed. This sounds more like Satan's plan than one designed by Heavenly Father.

So what do we do with those that need welfare. We do what Jesus Christ would do. We help them. Not by forcing someone else to do it but by doing what we can ourselves. We must become like Him. To sacrifice what we have. To give all of ourselves in service.

Welfare, charity and service all have a dual purpose. To help those in need and to help those who serve. How charitable to do you feel when filing you taxes? Now think of how you felt the last time you helped someone. I bet the feeling was much different. By allowing charity to be done via politicians and IRS workers we deny everyone the blessings of charity and service. The ones in need do not feel the humbling gratitude of asking for help. We all feel a bit powerless when in need. Many, including myself, feel weak when I need the help of someone else. Its very hard to say I need help. It is always a growth experience for me to do so. Whether its financial, spiritual or physical, I have to stop and reflect on what is is that got me to that point. If I feel entitled to that assistance, I am excused from  that feeling of weakness. And I lose the growth experience.

Its very common that when I have asked for help, charity is diverted to the government. If I am short on money for groceries it is suggested I apply for food stamps. If I am struggling with homeschool it is suggested I put them in government schools. When concered about a recent layoff we told we should apply for government unemployment.

We have come to a place where we have paid the government to do our service work for us. Its no longer our job to care for those in need. "That's what government is for."

Jesus didn't establish a government. He established a church.

If we are to be more Christlike we must take back our spiritual responsibilities from the very government that seeks to destroy His word.  We cannot allow this distance to grow between us. We need to be able to lean on each other. We need to carry each others burdens. 

Protecting the Disabled from Birth Trauma

I am a big advocate of natural and non-invasive childbirth , and I do recognize the rare instances that require the supervision of a physician. One such example was recently brought to my attention.. It is explained in the text of an email below. I understand that "Kay" needed supervision. But her birth story is not to be expected. This is not how birth should be handled, for anyone, especially those like "Kay" who rely on others to protect her well being.

This is from a friend,  "Kay's" foster mom. Its kind of long, I tried to shorten it.. Email sent 8/23/11

So we make abortion illegal... then what?

Abortion is the most highly debated topic in the US. Some argue it from a religious standpoint, others from a legal one.

For me, I know life begins at conception. To end the life of a fetus is murder. Plain and simple. That's how I feel. Some may feel that it is not  life, therefore abortion is not murder. I wonder if those who feel that way have ever been pregnant. I question the person who has carried a child and is still convinced it is a "blob of tissue". And do those who support the right to abort, do they support it all stages? Is it ok at 9 weeks but not at 29 weeks? What changes for you at that point. Are we arguing when it becomes life or are we arguing a woman's right to her body? As I will address later, neither of which was a factor in Roe v. Wade.

I will assume most readers agree, its a life. One that is dependent upon its mother for everything. It cannot survive on its own. It's life will cease if the mother does not provide its every need. Its kind of like a parasite, as some have called them. Again, I wonder if these same people have never taken care of a newborn. I currently have one. If I do not tend to his every need, he would die. He cannot feed himself. If he was left to his own accord, he would die. So he continues to be a parasite. And a pretty darn cute one at that.

Welfare and Drug Testing

There has been quite a bit of discussion on the State of Florida’s decision to administer drug testing for welfare recipients.

First, I disagree with any federal or state sponsored welfare. There is no constitutional right that allows for money from one person to be seized to be given to another person. Taxes are collected for city/state/federal programs  and should be used for the benefit of the collective. This is not an income redistribution program. On a state level I have the same opinion although states have more discretion based on their state constitutions as long as they do not violate the federal laws. So for anyone who screams the drug testing is unconstitutional, there is no constitutional basis for that accusation. It is not illegal search and seizure as the recipient is not forced to test. They, just as others who apply for jobs, oblige such testing in exchange for the opportunity of economic advancement. You have the freedom to decline the testing and inturn, the funds attached with said opportunity.

67th anniversary of the Allied Invasion of Normandy

Today is the 67th anniversary of the Allied Invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day
Please take time to remember our fallen hero's and the cause in which they fought for. 

Cosmetic Circumcision

There are two reasons a parent chooses to circumcise their child. One is cosmetic, the other is religious. Yesterday I posted about the religious reasons. Today I will address the cosmetic reasons.

Circumcision was first introduced in the Old Testament. As a token of the covenant between Abraham and God. There was no medical reason. It was spiritual.

In today's society its commonly seen as a hygienic procedure. While at times, circumcision may have helped a small portion of the population with hygiene, there is no real basis to this. Circumcised or not, male or female, you have to be sanitary and clean.

Faith Based Circumcision

There are two reasons a parent chooses to circumcise their child. One is cosmetic, the other is religious. I completely disagree with the cosmetic reasons. This post will address the religious reasons in regards to routine infant/child circumcision. I wrote another post on cosmetic circumcision. 

Since I know very little about the Qur'an, I can only say that I have read it’s not actually in the Qur'an, that circumcision is just tradition. For the Jews, the Torah states 

You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, as a sign of the covenant between Me and you. At the age of eight days, you shall circumcise every male child born to you throughout the generations ... Bereishis 17:11-1

For Christians it’s found in Genesis chapter 17 

10This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. 11And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. 12And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. 13He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

No Doctors, No Drugs, Lots of Critics

Recently in a discussion about birth, I was asked why I "dog" modern medicine, especially when I could run into breech births, cord pinching, wrapping , bleeding out etc. and what my game plan was.

When one decides to do a home birth, we aren’t rejecting modern medicine. We have made educated decisions to know when and where such things are needed and which procedures we can do ourselves. This applies to all of our medical needs. Self-reliance is important to us and self-reliance begins with education. Whether its a simple head cold or  postpartum hemorrhaging, I have done my best to prepare myself for such things, and I have the information and supplies needed to first prevent, and if needed, to treat such things. And more importantly, to know when to ask for help. Education is important. Ignorance makes you helpless.

I find it terribly sad when I hear women comment negatively about birth. I wonder what could have been done differently so that they had a positive outlook on childbirth. I know its not just luck that I have had 8 wonderful births. That can't be coincidence. And with my 9th childbirth experience just around the corner I find it more important to dispel the fears others have of childbirth. Its impossible to have the good support system one needs when so many are fearful and undereducated.

Rand Paul on Freedom

This is why I voted for him. I can actually say I am proud of my Senator.. weird..



My comments:

I agree. People say so whats the big deal, if you aren't doing anything wrong you have nothing to worry about.   The big deal is we are setting up a government where we have fewer and fewer rights. I may be innocent but there is a procedure that must be followed.

"Do you want a government that is unrestrained by law?"

Rapture

It's the end of the world as we know it.....

Supersize me, Fathead..

So today I watched Super Size Me and Fat Head.( both are free to watch on Hulu)  I will first admit to you that I beckoned my husband to bring me home a Mc Double & a small fry. I also had a bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup on it. 

                                        

I watched Super Size Me first. I found alot of stuff  I either didn't agree with or that didn't make sense. I think this guy tried overly hard to make his point. Not to mention I felt really insulted by his assumptions. For one we are considered quite poor and even my 5 year old knows that McDonalds is not as healthy as the food we make at home. I always get agitated when "poor" is associated with ignorance. There are more than enough wealthy morons. 

Fat head was  much better and more informative. I really enjoyed the take on it. He addressed the parts of the SSM that I felt was offensive. It was more of a common sense documentary rather than just a realty type show that way hyped for ratings. 

I am a large proponent of personal responsibility. This is the take FH took on the issue. I like to be aware of the information, proper information and be allowed to make a decision. 

I actually learned alot today and I reccomend that you watch Fat Head. And Super Size Me too if you want the "opposing side". My conclusion after watching both, is still the same as it was before I watched either. I do not blame the fast food industry for obesity. And I do not think we are getting the proper information from our government on nutrition guidelines. 

What are your thoughts? 

Mom's News 4/26/10

WikiLeaks: The Iraq-Al Qaeda Connection Confirmed, Again 

Separation of School and State
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6iHRSAIsCo&feature=player_embedded#at=40
Footage of Tornado hitting St Louis Airport
Outrageous gas prices  
Ban on Circumcision 

TSA Agent distributs child porn on Facebook 

Why I don't like Facebook anymore

Its been happening more and more. Facebook deactivates, removes or disables accounts of people who do not deserve it. Yet they allow, other material to be active.

First let me say, Facebook is a private site, owned by a private company. I agree with their right to allow and not allow whatever content they choose. However, I also have a right to disagree and in turn not use their product. Which  is not easy. Facebook has created a wonderful niche in the online world. I have at least 100 people who visit my Facebook page, while I maybe get 3-4 on my blogs. Its a wonderful venue to share information and network.

But its getting tiresome. I woke up this am to find that one of my favorite birthing pages has been deactivated. The page owner has no clue as to why, and I am sure, like most people, Facebook will never tell her.
This is her backup page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Backup-Page-for-An-EDD-is-an-Estimated-Due-Date-not-an-Expiration-date/204858212867818

Maybe there was a photo someone didn't like, maybe someone just wanted to be spiteful and report them. Maybe someone was offended by ones beliefs. However, I find it hard to believe that facebook will deem a photo like this offensive (click here) and allow a photo like this (click here) to be displayed. They also allow content such as this (click here) that I think is completely dangerous. And yes I have reported the Sarah Palin one several times.


And not to mention that Facebook often disables my husbands account for sending to many private messages and at times wont allow him to make friend requests. I thought the purpose of Facebook was to network, interact with people, find old friends and meet new people?

Anyhow this is the last straw. I have taken a Facebook leave before, but if Facebook removed the pages I visit, what is the point of using Facebook?

What would you do?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1377178/SWAT-teams-10-hour-siege-mother-Maryanne-Godboldo-Detroit.html

Child was homeschooled and mother decided to send her to public school. School "required"  her to vaccinate said child ( there is an exemption for this) and the child had a reaction ( of course) and was told to go on antipsychotoc medication. The mother stopped the meds and CPS was called.

I cant say I would not have done as the mother did. The only thing I my home I will protect with my life is my children. If you have come to take them, it wont be without a fight. You'd probably have to shoot me dead. They came to take her child. Whether or not she pulled the gun, they were taking her child.

You may say thats irresponsible but every turn I see them trying to take away parental rights, one step at at time. I wont allow it. They have no rights to my children and I will defend my right to them. What is irresponsible is allowing this type of mentality in government in the first place by either active encouragement or complacency.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with the mothers actions, with my opinions on it? What would you have done? 

Ronald Reagan on Socialism & Liberalism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iShCXx_xZDQ&feature=related

Charity v. Welfare

I have been involved in an ongoing discussion about charity and welfare, and most prominently from a LDS point of view as that was a large part of  the start of the discussion, but welcome the view of everyone.

Too provide some background let me post a few of the points that are being discussed, by posted a statement by me.

I support charity. In fact I belong to a church that has a LARGE focus on charity. However, charity, via the government is not charity. My church has a WONDERFUL welfare program. Our members voluntarily pay tithe and are able to provide for others in need. With that need comes responsibility. I agree with this wholeheartedly. ""One of the distinguishing characteristics of this inspired gospel-centered endeavor is its emphasis on personal responsibility and self-reliance. President Marion G. Romney explained: “Many programs have been set up by well-meaning individuals to aid those who are in need. However, many of these programs are designed with the shortsighted objective of ‘helping people,’ as opposed to ‘helping people help themselves.’” 

Obama might be a socialist

If you believe it's greedy for American taxpayers to want to keep more of their own money, but not greedy to demand that government confiscate other people's money and redistribute it to those who didn't earn it, you might be a socialist.

If you don't understand (or care) that babies scream and cry the moment they are born because they are already heavily in debt and facing a bleak future and lower quality of life, you might be a socialist.

If the only thing you, your Cabinet members and czars know about business is from books read at Harvard Law School, written by Karl Marx, you might be a socialist.

If you want to allocate hundreds of millions to the Internal Revenue Service to go after tax cheats when your administration is filled with tax cheats, including the guy in charge of America's taxes (Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner), you might be a socialist.

From Students, a Misplaced Sense of Entitlement-- A Guest Post

I read this letter from an adjunct faculty member this morning. It really ties in with my last post.


From Students, a Misplaced Sense of Entitlement

By Elayne Clift

It was the semester from hell. In my 20 years as an adjunct faculty member, I had taught in the Ivy League and at community colleges, in Brattleboro and Bangkok, in under­graduate and graduate schools. Never had I seen such extraordinarily bad behavior in my students.

It began the first night of the graduate class, spring semester 2010, when the students attacked the syllabus for being too demanding (although it was premised on previous syllabi for the same course at the same institution). The evening went steadily downhill. I'll spare you the gruesome details, but the next day I got a call from an administrator asking me to deal with the complaints that some students had registered about me and the course. The charges they'd made were ludicrous and easily explained, but I was stunned.

Like a broken watch, idiots are right once in a while

I read this story today. I agree with the President on this one. Children should be taught in the way that facilitates eagerness to learn. That feeds their curiosity. 


Sadly today that does not happen in most schools. As Obama states, "All you're learning about is how to fill out a little bubble on an exam and little tricks that you need to do in order to take a test and that's not going to make education interesting."


I agree. This has been an issue for us since we made the final decision to home school our children 8 years ago. Children are no longer taught the basics they need to become intelligent adults. They are programmed to pass a test that in turn generates money for the school. They retain very little of this information and many lose interest in learning period. By the time they reach high school they have very little knowledge and most are incapable of doing research. They are programmed to recite the "answers" someone else has given them without any thought that that answer may be wrong.

Child birth is a blessing.

 Genesis 1:28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 

We are commanded by God to bear children. Children are blessings. They are our eternal gifts from Him. How can we deny Him of these children?

Is the pain of childbirth  the curse of Eve.

The truth about childbirth

Its understandable to be bombarded with questions after having a baby, esp one who was born at home with absolutely no outside medical intervention. I will try to answer as many as I can.

First let me say there is no better way to introduce a child into the world. The calm serene environment a home provides is ideal for such an event. Not only is the mother in a comfortable location and can move about freely, to make her delivery easier, the newborn is reprieved of all the prodding the medical community deems necessary and is justified in doing to the most delicate of humans. The first thing a newborn needs is skin to skin contact with mother. Nursing as soon as baby is ready is very important. I think many adults forget that the baby also went thru an incredible ordeal.. They have just been born. They have exerted energy and have wiggled their way out into our cold stark world. They also need a bit of quiet downtime. It just seems cruel to do it any other way.

Truth

Yesterday in class, we talked about our civic duty and what qualities we look for in our politicians. One answer that came up was truthfulness.. I think that is yet the most important attribute.. Followed by selflessness.. The founding documents, the words we based our entire country on, were divinley inspired. We need to look for those qualities in ourselves as well.. When we look to a candidate to represent us we need to look for an honest selfless person who;s only goal is to uphold the Constitution. We need to be selfless and look to the person who is going to do whats best for us, not necessarily what we want. We have gotten to where our last few generations will choose who ever offers the biggest prize. We can only be offered what was rightfully ours to begin with.. We have do not have a right to another persons property or services.. To allow our government the power to "distribute" such rights we open the door to be on the alternate side. We are a free people. Those rights are given to us first by our creator. They can be oppressed by those in power, IF WE ALLOW them..

38 Years Ago

38 years ago, just over 3 years before my own birth, because of a woman Norma L. McCorvey, aka Jane Roe, and her legal team, The US Supreme Court decided that a womans right to have an abortion falls under the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution.

1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.     

And the 9th Amendment

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.