Happy Bill of Rights Weekend

James Madison was the first person who served as a U.S. Congressman and later became a U.S. President. Madison was the Representative of Virginia from March 4, 1789 until March 4, 1797.

James Madison was elected the fourth President of the United States in 1808, and served until March 4, 1817.

Pictured is a statue of James Madison in James Madison Memorial Hall of the Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building in Washington D.C.

December 15 is Bill of Rights Day. You would think that the National Archives would really feature this commemoration this year, given the part that free speech has played in the recent presidential election. But I haven't seen any big press releases. Have you? Do you plan to bake a cake? Make a pie?

Maybe you plan to support Freedom of Speech in some manner . . .

Bill of Rights Day, December 15

The National Archives and Records Administration joins in the national celebration of the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, which spell out our rights as Americans. It guarantees civil rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, press, and religion. It sets rules for due process of law and reserves all powers not delegated to the federal government to the people or the states. The original joint resolution proposing the Bill of Rights is on permanent display at the National Archives in Washington, DC.

There are some videos at the link. Seen anything from your local schools on this?

Any movements to share the principles of the Bill of Rights with, say, the UK?

For Kamala, it will also be National Wear Your Pearls Day. Which is nice.

But back to the Bill of Rights:

James Madison

James H. Read, Free Speech Center, Middle Tennessee State University

James Madison (1751–1836), the chief author of the Bill of Rights and thus of the First Amendment, was the foremost champion of religious liberty, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press in the Founding Era.

Madison played a central role in drafting, explaining, and ratifying the Constitution; after it was ratified he sought to reassure its critics by adding guarantees of fundamental liberties.

His life’s work, as statesman and as political theorist, was to secure the American revolutionary experiment by guarding against its own potential weaknesses and excesses. Republican government was endangered, he believed, if unrestrained majorities violated the rights of individuals or if elected officials were immune from the scrutiny of a free press.

Weekend

Tomorrow may be Bill of Rights Day, but today is National Alabama Day.

We know Alabama as the heart of America’s Deep South. Yet, this fascinating region comes with a long and rich history — both before and after it would become part of the United States. Before European settlers arrived here in the 16th century, Alabama was home to numerous indigenous peoples. The Spaniards were the first Europeans to explore the region, paving the way for other European countries to arrive.

The 250 years that followed saw numerous battles for control of the area among the French, British, and the Spanish. These events would culminate into the American War of Independence. What’s more, the foundations of the cotton economy began around this time — an institution that would go on to shape Alabama society, culture, and history.

Before joining the Union, Alabama was part of the Mississippi Territory. Up until then, Alabama was claimed by the colony of Georgia. As pressure to create two states mounted, Congress carved out a new Alabama territory from the east of the Mississippi Territory. William Wyatt Bibb was the region’s territorial governor.

Within two years, the Alabama territory grew in population and economy. Petitions for statehood soon became louder. Alabama’s shift to statehood began at a constitutional convention that took place in Huntsville. Six months later, Congress passed a resolution on December 14 granting statehood to Alabama — the only state added to the Union that year. Alabama joined the Union a few months before Maine and a year after Illinois. The town of Cahawba in Dallas County was the first capital, and William Wyatt Bibb became the state’s first governor. . .

Other than Southern Hospitality, what do you think of when you think of Alabama? Here are some guides from Dr_No (who originally was thinking nationally, not just about one state).

Thread of some surprising things that are older than other things

Notre Dame predates the Maori settlement of New Zealand pic.twitter.com/9RHqaHqkaN

— Crémieux (@cremieuxrecueil) December 8, 2024

Music

Seeing something old in a new light:

Also old:

Hope you have something nice planned for this weekend.

This is the Thread before the Gardening Thread.

Last week's thread, December 7, Notre Dame Cathedral - A story in the news with backstories

Comments are closed so you won't ban yourself by trying to comment on a week-old thread. But don't try it anyway.

posted by K.T. at 11:00 AM

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