American Greatness has published an article addressing a statement made by Senator Tim Kaine on September 3, in which he asserted that rights originate from the government rather than God. The article argues that this stance is in conflict with the Declaration of Independence.
According to American Greatness, Kaine described it as “extremely troubling” to believe that rights are granted by a Creator, maintaining instead that “government grants rights, not God.” The publication highlighted that Kaine’s viewpoint contradicts the Declaration of Independence, which claims that rights are “endowed by their Creator” and therefore inalienable. The commentary positioned Kaine’s remarks as a deviation from Virginia’s historical legacy of natural rights, as championed by figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Mason.
Senator Ted Cruz responded during a hearing, emphasizing that natural rights are “literally the founding principle upon which the United States of America was created.” As reported by The Hill, Cruz referenced Jefferson’s role in authoring the Declaration of Independence to underline his argument that Americans’ rights come from God rather than any government or political party. He argued that Kaine’s interpretation signifies a fundamental departure from the philosophical foundations of American democracy and the values articulated by its Founders.
Catholic Bishop Robert Barron also criticized Kaine’s statements, describing them as “so outrageous and so dangerous to our democracy.” According to Catholic News Agency, Barron emphasized that while the government’s role is to protect rights, those rights themselves originate from God rather than political institutions. His comments reflect growing concern among religious leaders about rhetoric diminishing natural rights potentially leading to policies undermining religious liberty and individual freedoms.
American Greatness is a conservative media outlet established in 2017. It produces commentary, cultural analysis, and investigative reporting with a mission to defend constitutional principles, national sovereignty, and American traditions. Positioned as an intellectual hub for writers and scholars, it seeks to provide a counterbalance to mainstream media narratives by focusing on issues related to governance, citizenship, and culture through the lens of American republicanism.
