LAD/Blog #26: William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech

Bryan opened his speech by stating that he was fighting for a honorable cause, that of humanity, that his battle was not about people, but principles. He claimed that the issue being debated was perhaps the most hotly contested issue in American history, the issue over money in America. Bryan then went on to say that the government must also represent the pioneers at the heart of the country and not just the big businessmen on the East Coast. He stated that their fight was one in defense, not on the offensive. He speaks to defend families against "the encroachment of aggregated wealth". He supports the Democratically-introduced income tax law that was recently declared by the Supreme Court to be unconstitutional. Against common Democratic beliefs, he supports the governmental control of money and banking. Bryan's speech begins to gain more momentum as he starts talking about the issue over the gold standard or bimetallism. He describes the gold standard as extremely deadly for many Americans. He then describes how many gold standard supporters have fallen out of favor, like McKinley. He mentions that history is not in favor of the gold standard because no country has ever officially accepted it. He concludes: "Having behind us the commercial interests and the laboring interests and all the toiling masses, we shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold."





William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech reminded me of Andrew Jackson's specie circular because both urged American currency to be based off of hard money, silver being a primary option.

LAD/Blog #25: The Dawes Act

The Act gives the power to the President to divide up the communal tribal lands held by the Native American Indians, and split them up into shares for each individual. The amount each Indian receives is determined by his age, gender, and family status. The President may perform this function whenever the land of reservations is deemed advantageous for agricultural purposes. Furthermore, it allows the government to purchase any excess Indian lands and sell them to American settlers. In addition, the Act provides for the assimilation of Indians into American culture. The Act excludes the 5 Civilized Tribes and several others. Finally, it makes it clear that the government retains the right to build railroads, highways, and construct telegraph lines through appointed Indian lands. Senator Henry Dawes of Massachusetts passed the act in an attempt to prevent the extermination of Native Americans throughout the United States. Dawes thought that by helping each family, they would have a much better chance of surviving. Unfortunately, the act wiped out a majority of the Native American population.






The Dawes Act reminded me of the Morrill Land-Grant Acts because both relied on federal power to encourage the sale of land for the benefit of the common man.

LAD/Blog #24: Populist (People's) Party Platform

Preamble: The Populists give an inflamed introduction to their beliefs, primarily emphasizing how they pledge to correct two primary evils: the broad degeneration of society to build up the few wealthy bond-holders, and the faults of a solely gold-based currency.

Platform:
-Labor unions will be permanently supported
-Wealth belongs to the laborer who earned it
-The government will start managing railroads
-Any land held unnecessarily by railroads or by aliens be reclaimed for use by legitimate settlers

Finance:
-Unlimited coinage of silver in addition to gold
-A graduated income tax
-Money remains in public circulation, with the government taking only what it needs
-Savings banks be established by the government for public deposits

Resolutions:
-Support ex-Union soldier pensions
-Sympathize with the working man for shorter hours
-Provide for the direct election of senators
-Support the income tax to reduce tax strains on domestic industries





Donald Trump can be considered a populist candidate because his campaign appealed to the poor farmers of America, promising tax cuts, lower unemployment, and secure borders. This was designed to aid blue collar America by giving the poor working class greater opportunity and less competition from foreigners.

LAD/Blog #23: McKinley's War Message

In 1898, Cubans had been engaging in hostile activity with the Spanish for independence for three years. In March, the U.S., who had been neutral up to this point, demanded that Spain grant an armistice to the Cuban rebels. On April 9th, Spain sent a cable agreeing to the demands. Nevertheless, two days later, President McKinley presented a War Message to Congress to fight on the Cuban's side against the Spanish, only briefly noting at the end of the message that Spain had already agreed to suspend hostilities. Eight days later, Congress adopted a joint resolution to go to war with the Cubans against the Spanish. McKinley stated that intervention was justified "in the cause of humanity", to protect the rights of American citizens in Cuba, because of the damage to commerce and trade, and on the grounds that the conflict is a menace to American peace and an expense to the government. Finally, he requests Congress to grant him the power to "secure a full and final termination of hostilities between the government of Spain and the people of Cuba...", and the ability to secure for the island a stable government.





McKinley's War Message reminded me of the Monroe Doctrine because it aimed to support the interests of Americans, not foreigners.

LAD/Blog #22: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

In the beginning of his speech, Carnegie discusses how civilization has changed and revolutionized within the past hundred years in that the homes, lives, and possessions of the wealthy have advanced drastically beyond those of the common laborer. However, he states that the economic inequality is actually a good thing, for it provides for the development of art and the advancement of "civilization", which effects not only the wealthy but also the common laborer. This standpoint reflects subtle hints of a popular philosophical concept at the time called Social Darwinism, defined as the application of the evolutionary concept of natural selection to human society, or more simply, survival of the fittest. As is evident, Carnegie was a major proponent for laissez-faire economics because he believed in the natural circulation and equilibrium of wealth distribution.





Carnegie's philanthropic beliefs remind me of members of the Republican party because they believe in reduced economic regulations reflective of laissez-faire policies, opposite of the democratic party which wants to take money from the wealthy.

LAD/Blog #21: Emancipation Proclamation

In his Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln decrees that all slaves present in any states or parts of states were declared free, including the army and navy, will "recognize and maintain the freedoms of such persons." Furthermore, he asserts that states who uphold the institution of slavery will be considered in rebellion with the United States. Lincoln names the southern states that are in considered rebellious, and again emphasizes that the slaves held in those states are to be immediately freed, and will be supported in their deservation of constitutional rights by the executive government and the military.





The Emancipation Proclamation reminds me of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution because all of these acts of legislation granted blacks more personal liberties.

LAD/Blog #20: Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Speech was quite similar to first one, although it was significantly shorter in length. In his first inaugural address, Lincoln discussed the inevitable civil war and how it could result in severe disunity within the country. In his Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln discussed the continual uncooperative behavior of both sides and that they were unwilling to negotiate peace, so war was the only logical way to settle disputes. The Civil War was a battle resulting from sectional tensions within the U.S. that became a much bigger conflict than the North had expected. Lincoln emphasized his deep-rooted desire for eventual reconciliation of the Union in his second inaugural speech, and, in the process, become a stronger, more influential president.





Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address reminded me of that of Abraham Lincoln because both pushed for nationalism and national unity.

LAD/Blog #19: The Dred Scott Decision

At first, the Dred Scott vs. Sanford case was ruled in favor of Sanford.  However, the original decision did not factor in important details such as to the constitutionality of the Missouri Comprise, and other issues concerning racial discrimination. In his final ruling, Supreme Court Chief Justice Taney stated that real citizens of the U.S. (in this case slave owners) could not be deprived of life, liberty, or property anywhere in the U.S., including American territories. As slaves were not distinguished from other forms of property, and the Missouri Compromise deprived slave holding citizens of their "property", the Missouri Compromise was thus declared unconstitutional.





The Dred Scott vs. Sanford case reminded me about the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 because both ensured that slaves were still considered to be property and inhuman.

LAD/Blog #18: Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman" speech

During the 1800's white women were treated with respect, as they were helped into carriages and carried over puddles.  Black women, on the other hand, were not offered any help.  They were treated just as poorly as men.  In her "Ain't I a Woman" speech, Sojourner Truth argues that, even if her intellect is less capable than a white's or a man's, as whites and men claim, doesn't she still deserve to be taught regardless? She ends by saying that all women should be treated equally, and that "the men better let them".





Sojourner Truth's speech reminded me of Emma Watson's speech at the United Nations because both pursued equality for women and equal rights.

LAD/Blog #17: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" speech

Frederick Douglass begins by asking the people why they think he is giving a speech, and more importantly, the reason for him not celebrating independence day.  In short, he claimed  that African Americans were not being granted the rights urged in the detailed grievances of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, so he refused to observe the hypocritical holiday.  Despite the fact that some groups celebrated their copious liberties, others felt dehumanized as they did not enjoy those same freedoms.  In fact, the 4th of July served as a cruel reminder of black slaves' lack of rights at the time.  Until America gave African Americans their rights, it would remain a hypocritical and insulting celebration for many.





Frederick Douglass' speech reminded me of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech since both pushed for racial equality in America.

LAD/Blog #16: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Lincoln delivered a brief 272 word speech at Gettysburg. He said that America was built upon the notions of liberty and equality, and that the men who died at Gettysburg--in America's Civil War-- were fighting to preserve their great nation born of such virtuous and democratic ideals. His famous closing statement that the sacred American"government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth" signified his tireless desire to reunite the Union and to see the great country that he loved dearly thrive in future years. Overall, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was a tribute to lost heroes in battle and a wonderful pledge of loyalty to national unity.

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address reminded me of Donald Trump's speech on August 23, 2017 in Reno, Nevada because both were brief speeches that stressed a desire for national unity.

LAD/Blog #15: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Lincoln opens his First Inaugural Address by assuring the southern states that their "peace and personal security" will not be infringed upon, as he promises leave slavery alone where it already exists. Lincoln expresses his strong belief that the States have a right written in the Constitution to control their own institutions, and says that he will honor that power. Next, he asserts the dominance of federal law over state law in order to keep the country unified under the Constitution and declares secession from the Union an act of revolution. Lincoln concludes his address by stating that the government belongs entirely to the people it serves and that the people have a right to amend it. In other words, he pushes for nationalism, unity, and cooperation in hopes that the country will become more united and productive as it once was. Lincoln's final words of this great speech re-emphasize his dedication to reunification. He says "We are not enemies, but friends," reiterating a need to dissolve bitterness and preserve the Union.





Lincoln's First Inaugural Address is similar to the Join or Die cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 because both emphasized a need for Unity in America.

LAD/Blog #14: Calhoun's Speech on the Compromise of 1850

Calhoun opens his speech with a statement regarding the danger that the Union is in. The southern states discontent with the north on a variety of topics is increasing and is threatening to bring the collapse of the Union to fruition. The North dominates the South in government because of their urbanization and rapid population growth. Calhoun provides numerous examples of how the North is exploiting the south and controlling the country in a negative way. For instance, he gives the example of the North attempting to seize Texas for themselves when it should clearly be connected to the South. Also, he states that the South pays most of the taxes that just go to benefit northern industry and factories.

Calhoun later moves on to the claim that the North should be held responsible for resolving tensions between the two regions by making reforms to resolve southern grievances. If the North agreed to work with the South to reunite the country, the idea of secession would likely  be squandered. However, if the North refused reconciliation and cooperation, Calhoun said it would only be a matter of time before the Union collapses.





Calhoun's Speech on the Compromise of 1850 reminded me of the Join or Die cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 because both stress the importance of unity.

LAD/Blog #13: Polk's War Message

As an attempt to fix Mexico-American relations, President James K. Polk sent a diplomat to Mexico. Unfortunately, Mexico was unwilling to negotiate and proceeded to invade the United States, leading to the loss of American troops.

When a message was delivered to the Mexican minister of foreign affairs asking if a meeting to discuss diplomacy to amend disputes would be acceptable, the minister replied and agreed to meet an American diplomat by the name of John Slidell. This meeting most likely would have been successful if the Mexican government hadn't been seized by a military dictatorship, but, nevertheless, the dictatorship refused to accept the American envoy.

As a result of this governmental takeover, the Mexicans adopted a new aggressive foreign policy, making it near impossible for the U.S. to achieve complete peace with their neighbor to the south. Even today, the Mexicans have disregarded the established American borders and the issue of border control is still a highly debated topic.





President Polk's War Message reminded me of President Trump's message to Mexico in regard to foreign policy because both relate to issues on the subject of Mexico and the American southern border.

LAD/Blog #12: Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments

1. The democratic principles included at the beginning of the document are identical to those expressed in the Declaration of Independence. For instance, all men and women are created equal, all people have an unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, etc.

2. Some of the grievances expressed in the Declaration of Sentiments include women having little representation in government, medicine, law, or the church, no women's suffrage, a lack of women's civil liberties, women's inability to make equal wages as men, etc.

3. A list of resolutions accompanied each and every grievance introduced in the document that met the convention's demands. For instance, one resolution concerning women's misrepresentation in government was to grant all women the right to vote, as this would give women more of a voice in politics.

4. Many notable individuals signed the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments including Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Coffin Mott, Martha Coffin Wright, and Harriet Cady Eaton. One important figure who did not sign the document, however, was Susan B. Anthony.





The Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments very closely resembles the Declaration of Independence because it strives for women's independence in a patriarchal world.

LAD/Blog #11: Monroe Doctrine

Summarize the Monroe Doctrine:

One of the key points of the Monroe Doctrine was that it expressed America's solidarity as a nation and its stricter policy towards colonizers of North America. It stated that any attempt to colonize North America would be seen as an act of violence and would be met with military force. This assertion was meant to let other foreign powers know that the U.S. was no longer a weak power. Another concept addressed in the doctrine was that America would not be involved in any internal affairs between European powers so as to maintain foreign neutrality. This was one of the main purposes of Secretary of State Adam's writing the doctrine because he believed that America needed time to rebuild and repair their nation following the War of 1812, so avoiding further warfare was crucial. Moreover, the Monroe Doctrine is often referred to as "the cornerstone of American foreign policy" because it expressed the still prevalent ideas of neutrality in American government. The document recognized that America would not interfere with any existing colonies in North America or any established countries across the globe. This ensured that the United States would remain impartial in the realm of foreign affairs, ultimately helping to prevent war.





The Monroe Doctrine reminded me of the Neutrality Acts passed in 1935, 1936, 1937, and 1939 because both attempted to establish U.S. global neutrality and to limit U.S. involvement in future wars.

LAD/Blog #10: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Summary of Jefferson's First Inaugural Address:

     Thomas Jefferson opened his first inaugural address by expressing his gratitude and honor to hold such an important position in the country that he had dedicated his life to helping to create. Later on in the speech, Jefferson encourages the strength of the constitution and urges the people to respect the document for protecting the rights of all citizens. He ensures that he will defend the constitution to the best of his ability during his presidency, but will also rely heavily on the support of the people and his administration to effectively lead the country. One of the most important aspects of Jefferson's address was the motivation for unification, despite the current state of divide between political parties. Furthermore, he acknowledges that his presidency will not be perfect, but he will do everything in his power to lead for the common good of the country. Jefferson pledges to dedicate the next four years of his life to serving his country and even makes the humble assurance that he will listen to the people and will even step down from his role if they deem it necessary, illustrating his whole-hearted belief in popular sovereignty.





Jefferson's inauguration speech reminded me of that of President Obama's because both addressed the importance of national unity and dedication to serving the country as a whole.

Blog #9: Was Columbus a Hero or a Villain?

     While it is true that Christopher Columbus possessed both positive and negative traits, the latter far outweighs the former. Despite the fact that he is remembered most commonly throughout the U.S. as a hero, he should instead be remembered as a villain for the horrible crimes he committed against the Native American populations that he encountered in the Caribbean islands. First of all, throughout many of his writings created during his time in the Caribbean, Columbus expressed extremely ethnocentric and xenophobic views towards the natives. As a result, Columbus was very involved in the slave trading of natives and even auctioned girls as young as 9 years old into sexual slavery. "Let us in the name of the Holy Trinity go on sending all the slaves that can be sold." In fact, in 1499, word of some of his heinous actions was brought to the King and Queen of Spain and he was arrested by the Spanish government later that year and removed from position of governor in Hispaniola. As is evident, Christopher Columbus was a ruthless man with vile intentions for Indian populations. Clearly, he was not the heroic figure that many proclaim him to be.

Christopher Columbus reminded me very much of Benjamin Franklin because both are widely remembered as heroes but have a great deal of controversy surrounding their historic virtue.

LAD/Blog #8: Washington's Farewell Address

Summarize the Address and pick out 3 of his biggest warnings:

Summary:

Washington first tells the country that he is voluntarily removing himself from the running for the next presidency. He wishes the next president to be a virtuous and competent man who will do good for the common good, and he shows a deferential sense of gratitude for the nation that he spent so much of his life serving. Although he looks forward to his retirement, Washington hopes to always help his country to grow and become even more successful, so he presents an array of parting advice so that his predecessors can learn from his experiences.

1. Washington tells the public to always remember the crucial role that unified government plays in protecting civil liberties and the unalienable rights of the common man, because, when the public attempts to tamper with and degrade these laws, they could actually be hurting themselves.

2. Washington alludes to the dangers of competitive parties, as they can lead to hatred, bitterness, and, in some cases, oppression.

3. Public opinion and diversity of thought are sources of strength, but should be used sparingly, in respect to factions.





President Barack Obama and his recent Farewell Address reminded me of that of George Washington because both addressed the state of the union and gave advice as to how to better the country.

LAD/Blog #7: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Briefly Summarize Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality:

Washington asserted the idea of impartial foreign policy in his Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793. The U.S. had a weak, inexperienced military, and Washington believed that it would be foolish to engage in warfare while trying to establish a lasting republican democracy. In addition, he proclaims that America will not protect any citizens who don't abide by these policies and any who break the law will be prosecuted accordingly.





The Proclamation of Neutrality reminded me of the non-aligned movement during the cold war, as both shared the concept of impartial foreign policy.

LAD/Blog #6: Federalist Paper #10

1.  What is a faction?

A faction is a group in government of individuals who share a common political purpose.

2.  Are factions good or bad?

Factions are beneficial to government because they help to raise support for a group and their ideologies while restricting the ability for any one person or group to completely dominate a political scene.

3.  Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

Factions are so difficult to eliminate because, by nature, humans are social and group-oriented, and tend to congregate in numbers where they can find strength and unity. In order to remove factions, the liberties of the people to express their beliefs among one another must be infringed upon.

4.  If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?

Factions only need to be controlled when they are in the majority, since, under the constitution, it is impossible for a minority faction to obtain political power (as they would always get outvoted by the majority faction). If a faction is in the majority though, it can be controlled by a republic. The representative nature and election processes of the U.S. Constitution act as checks and balances for majority factions. Because of the size of the country and its diversity, it is extremely hard to simultaneously build national support for factitious beliefs across a majority of the states.





The topic of factions reminded me of the bipartisan divisiveness that American is experiencing in present day.

LAD/Blog #5: Republican Motherhood

1.      What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?

After the Revolutionary War, the enthusiasm for enlightenment ideals that Americans had fought for, like liberty, republicanism, and independence were idolized. As a result, the people of the newly established country wished to instill those ideals into the youth of society so as to continue the development of the country. In doing so, republican mothers adopted the important responsibility of engendering such virtues into their sons. (Document A).

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?

The results of Republican Motherhood were that women were encouraged to get an education. Since mothers during that time were given the crucial responsibility of raising sons with adequate mindsets, women were often put through school in order to increase their maternal capabilities. Women were also praised for their important contributions to the betterment of the nation which, in turn, earned them a higher level of respect in society than had previously been known. (Document B).

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women’s socialization?

Republican Motherhood gave women an increased level of authority in society. Their role as the care takers and backbone of society also gave women more confidence and pride in themselves that they truly had control over the destiny of the country (Document C). All of these advancements were a step in the right direction for women and social equality.

1. Describe the setting.

A young mother is sitting on a sofa with her two sons on either side of her. Her sons are clad in peculiarly feminine attire.

2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why?  How does the woman look?  How is she “republican” rather than aristocratic?

The Woman, Mery Gibson Tilghman, is the center of the portrait. She is illustrated as the assertive and dominant figure in the picture, while wearing average value clothing, reflecting her status as a republican, and not aristocratic, woman. She also appears young and attractive, but has a very modest and reserved look, starkly contrasting that of a typically extravagantly dressed upper-class woman.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

Her sons portray symbolically the influence of republican motherhood on society, as they are depicted wearing womanly clothing.

4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham’s arm?

The placement of Mrs. Tilghman's arm around one son exclusively could signify favoritism of one son over the other. More specifically, she could be exhibiting the long standing practice of primogeniture, where the eldest son is heavily favored and receives all inheritance of their parents possessions.

The advances made by the ideology of Republican Motherhood for women in society reminded me of the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote.

Blog #4: Rethinking the Revolution

List 5 things you learned after reading the article "Rethinking the Revolution" by John Ferling

1. The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history, as more than 600,000 people died as a result.

2. The Revolutionary War was much more savage than it is often portrayed to have been. For instance, at times, half of the Continental Army was naked and two-thirds was malnourished or lacking food.

3. The founding fathers used history to manipulate how the past was remembered. They did this by purposely focusing on the political revolution and not on the devastating war.

4. Both wars had an extensive impact on civilians. In the Revolutionary War, civilians were subjected to disease, the pillaging and raiding of towns, and numerous massacres. In the Civil War, civilians were largely persecuted, especially loyalists, who were exiled tenfold more than their confederate counterparts.

5. Many historians consider the Civil War to be the first modern war because it was the first war after the industrial revolution, meaning more technology was invented and used for weaponry throughout the war.





The Civil War and American Revolutionary War reminded me of the Spanish-American War because all three wars pertain to the gaining geographic independence from a greater power.

LAD/Blog #3: Declaration of Independence

1.  List the democratic principles discussed in the opening.

• All Men are created equal
• All people have basic unalienable rights that cannot be infringed upon
• The government derives its power from the common people being governed and is in place to serve them and protect their rights
• The people have a right to overthrow a tyrannical government in the interest of the freedom and happiness of the common man

2.  List 5 grievances the colonists were making the King aware of.

• The King denied the rights to institute colonial laws
• The King deprived colonists of trial by jury
• The King cut off foreign trade with the colonies
• The King forced colonists to house British soldiers in their private homes
• The King taxed the colonies without their consent

3.  Summarize what the final paragraph is saying.

The United States are making a bold declaration of secession from British rule after a series of grievances. They are declaring their autonomy and seizing the freedoms of an independent nation to trade with whomever they please and to govern however they see fit. They are free from all loyalty to the British crown and are officially absolving themselves from any existing political and economic ties to Britain.

The Declaration of Independence reminds me of the Ordinance of Secession because both declare geographic freedom from a former governing body.

LAD/Blog #2: Peter Zenger

1.)    Who was Peter Zenger?

Peter Zenger was the printer of the New-York Weekly Journal, a newspaper which published content that exposed the Governor at the time, William Cosby, as a corrupt and despicable individual. For this reason, Zenger was arrested and jailed on the notion that he was creating seditious libel, a treasonous act at the time. His subsequent trial would later become an important factor in shaping the foundation of the right to free speech in the Bill of Rights.

2.)   What was the controversy over his charges?

The controversy over Zenger's charges was twofold. On one hand, Zenger was accused under British law of the crime of producing seditious libel, which could have easily caused rebellion against the governor to which the criticism was directed. However, in Zenger's defense, the statements he made that were defamation in the Governor's eyes were, in fact, true statements. Also, some colonists had doubts about how British law applied to the colonies, therefore increasing the level of controversy surrounding the case.

3.)   What influence did his case have on American governmental traditions?

The Zenger case showed that truth is a viable defense against a libel charge. This conclusion contributed to the development of the idea of freedom of the press. The Zenger case also set a precedent for the jury's right to nullify a judges decision.

4.)   What is the lasting significance of his trial?

The Zenger Trial left a lasting impact on the way Americans thought about truth versus offensive speech, opening a door to a new legal perspective for many. In addition, the trial reinforced the possibility for a jury to override the ruling of an executive power. Lastly, the findings of the case would engender the vital human right of free speech later captured in the Bill of Rights.

This reminds me of the Bill of Rights because it relates to the right of freedom of the press, which is expressed in the first amendment of the Bill of Rights.