FILE- In this Feb. 17, 2017, file photo, an American flag hangs on the front of the New York Stock Exchange. The U.S. stock market opens at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File)

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

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

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

What you just read was the Bill of Rights. Over the past few weeks, I’ve watched as everyone from our leaders to regular citizens forgot they exist or, perhaps, were ignorant of them from the get-go.

It’s entirely frustrating watching as our leaders use this pandemic and the economic shutdown as a way to enforce a host of rules that violate are rights as American citizens, and most of us just go along with it unquestioningly.

Voluntarily remaining in your home at all times is a choice you can make, but I think it’s important that you remember that it is, in fact, a choice. As I wrote earlier, your right to peaceably assemble is not a privilege that the government can revoke at a moment’s notice. You can gather together if you so please. This is highlighted in the very first amendment you read above you. Despite what the Raleigh Police Department in North Carolina have said, protesting is an essential activity.

(READ: Your Fears Don’t Trump My Rights)

Read over the Bill of Rights again, and even give it a third glance. Memorize them. These are not rules for you to follow, these are rules for the government to follow. Rules that they have to obey and rights that they cannot take away in any circumstance. Rights are given to us by God, not government, and as such, the amendments I posted above are untouchable.

Do NOT let anyone take these away from you, even in a time of crisis like this one.