Hacker News Reader

> Is it a "right" if it can be taken away?

Of course. Every person that was ever murdered had a right to live, even when it was taken away. Would you say that they didn't?

Rights exists regardless of whether they are respected, that's what makes them rights.

View on HN

Taken away illegally, hence a "murder". It's not a right if it can be legally taken away by your government. Speech is a right. Driving is a privilege.

Rights are not granted by governments, they are recognized by governments. They exist as part of our culture.

Rights are not granted by culture, they are recognized by culture. They exist regardless of whether they are violated.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com