>governments grant rights Perhaps a subtle point, but I think it has consequences... there is a difference between a government granting rights and securing th

>governments grant rights Perhaps a subtle point, but I think it has consequences... there is a difference between a government granting rights and securing them. The [US Declaration of Independence](https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcrip...) puts forth the opinion that governments are instituted "to secure these rights." I think the regulation of speech is an example where it makes a difference what you believe - if the government grants you rights, it can take them away. If our rights pre-exist the government, then the government can only succeed or fail at accomplishing what it was instituted to do.