Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and living safely are rights we all share in the USA; however, there is a distinction between rights and privileges.
Once we are born, we have the right to life. We have the right to public education until we graduate from high school. We should be treated equally regardless of gender, sexual orientation, and race. We should have the right to essential health care even if we can't afford it. All citizens can contribute to insurance premiums that will cover the expenses of the group. We should have the reproductive right to control our bodies and choose when to have children. These are rights not privileges.
Privileges go beyond basic rights. Privileges are something we earn or pay for. For example, public education is a right for every child. Private and parochial education is a privilege that should not be freely given through vouchers. Parents who can afford to pay for non-public education can choose to use it for their children.
Citizens often differ on what is a right and what is a privilege. Governments need to protect our rights, not pay for privileges.
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