[donh]

happiness is not a right.

Happiness is a right to the same extent that Life and Liberty are. I have a signed document to that effect, which is often called the primary law: the Founding Clause of the Declaration of Independence.

[PoorRider]

Happiness is not a right under our constitution. Only the "pursuit" of happiness is.

[A Navy Vet]

"I have a signed document to that effect, which is often called the primary law: the Founding Clause of the Declaration of Independence."

Interesting. My copy from the Heritage Foundation says, "...pursuit of happiness-"
Think I like yours better. Where do I get in line for my guaranteed happiness?

[Hajman]

Happiness is a right to the same extent that Life and Liberty are. I have a signed document to that effect, which is often called the primary law: the Founding Clause of the Declaration of Independence.

Really? My Declaration of Independence (the one that belongs to the good ol' USofA) says Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Where do you live?

-The Hajman-

[RobRoy]

Happiness is a right to the same extent that Life and Liberty are.

That is a pattently false statement, at least in the united states. According to the constitution, you have the right to life (the government cannot kill you unless your acts justify it), liberty (you are in control of your destiny, not the government) and the pursuit of happiness (the government cannot stop you from pursuing happiness).

Put another way, the goverment has said they will not impede your search for happiness. They are not responsible for whether or not your pursuit is successful. Same goes for health (as in: no government health care).