God-given rights | Miami Herald

Carl Hiaasen’s feeble attempt to use humor to misinform readers in his Oct. 18 column, From God’s lips to Gaetz’s ears, is nothing short of offensive.

Rep. Matt Gaetz referred to the concept of natural rights, which are bestowed by God and not by government. This concept is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, which clearly says that the people are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Among these are the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It follows that if one has the God-given right to life, one has the God-given right to defend and protect that right, Hiaasen’s mockery notwithstanding.