Rights aren't "given" by governments. In the case of the US Constitution, government is supposed to _protect_ these rights which are "God given", or inherent in humans. If an individual doesn't agree with this, they're welcome to move to a country that is more aligned with their beliefs.
- Anonymous:
"Also who says that all individuals ought to pursue happiness as a life goal? Some German philosophers for instance have argued that suffering and pain are necessary for people like Wagner and Goethe to emerge and unleash their greatness. Do all people want happiness?"
If one were to argue that "suffering makes some people 'happy'", and to expand "pursuit of happiness" to also mean "to do what you want", then people who want to 'suffer', as a means to achieve enlightenment or whatever, are free to do what they want in the USA. For example, if one wants to sleep on a stiff board, or to practice masochism, in the privacy of their home, as long as they don't trample on others' rights, they are free to do so.
"The problem here is that (Ayn Rand) talks of 'rights' being given by governments. Where do these rights come from? Who says they are 'rights'? And if a similar group in a different context says no such rights exist does that make them true and authoritative?"