“This Odious Column of Bolted Metal”

In the late 1880's, to honor the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the French government began planning the 1889 Paris International Exposition, a kind of "world's fair" that would bring thousands of people to the French capital to marvel at the architecture, sample its foods, and get a taste--not only for French culture--but for … Continue reading “This Odious Column of Bolted Metal”

“I’m an American; I have RIGHTS!”

In December 1941, President Roosevelt, praising "the great American charter of personal liberty and human dignity," designated the first 'Bill of Rights' day by declaring: “Now, Therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate December 15, 1941, as Bill of Rights Day. And I call upon the officials … Continue reading “I’m an American; I have RIGHTS!”