What's the difference between a privilege & a right?

Question

& do you believe this cop was right when he told me, "To have a place to live is a privilege & not a right."

How is it NOT a right if we ALL need shelter? It's 1 of the MAIN necessities. Does he think we're supposed to live as animals, running around?

Answer 1

I can only guess. I think a right is a stronger term than a privilige.  They say you have a right to vote, but that does not everyone can vote (Have to be over 18 or 20)

You apparently do not have a right to drive on public highways, but if the government says if you can't afford expensive liability insurance, you can't drive, but you do have a right to food stamps and you can use the 200$ budgeted for food, use that for auto insurance, and get 200$ of food stamps for your food. see http://www.foodstampstudy.com

Answer 2

A right is something that as a human or as an American you are entitled to .

   A privilege is something that SHOULD be earned and you can lose a privilege .

         The privilege to drive would be an example .. It is given and if you abuse it , it can be taken away.

        Yes. we all have the right to shelter ... but there is no one to enforce our rights ... welcome to America.

Answer 3

Sorry, but the context of the argument could have further been explained here.  

'Privilege' is often a subjective term.  For example, you could be privileged to live under a flight path into an airport ~ if you are an aviation buff.  Of course, on the other hand, if your not a 'buff,' then the last thing it is ~ is likely to be 'a privilege'.

Barring and legal hassles, you have every right to live in the home that you actually own.

Generally, I think the cop was talking with his tail end ~ although the context and circumstances ough to to be taken into account.

Sash.

Answer 4

priviledge - A special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all.

this means shelter is not a given and shouldn't be taken for granted. many, many people are 2, 3 paychecks away from the street.

Answer 5

It is a privilege most have...or else why are there homeless people?

Answer 6

An individuals "Rights" are enumerated and guaranteed to you by State or Federal Constitutions. They are enforceable in/by Courts if necessary. A privilege is everything else. It is a privilege to drive a car, for example, and it can be regulated or taken away for cause. Food, clothing and shelter are basic necessities but none of them are "Rights." Your "Rights" give you freedom to obtain what you need or what is necessary. The Cop was simply answering your question. He, and we, are not required by Law to provide wants for anyone else.

Answer 7

a privilege is something  that  can be taken away  from u. a right is something ul always have no matter what. a place to live is a priliage because it a be taken away from you