The (Literal) Fight for Free Speech They Don't Teach You

Immigrant and Vermont congressman Matthew Lyon was in jail when he was reelected. Not for the fight he started in the halls of Congress but for his willingness to criticize the relatively new government of the United States. For the first time in American history, freedom of speech was up for debate. And Matthew “Spittin” Lyon was just the guy to fight for it. This episode of Rogue History is part of PBS’ America@250 collection, celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. Democracy is built on participation. Get involved at vote.org ***** PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you. To support your local station, go to: https://to.pbs.org/DonateRH Check out our new series The Story in Us:    • The Story in Us   ***** Rogue History It’s been said that history is written by those in power. But what about the outlaws, outcasts, and rogues? What if they had their say? Rogue History, a digital series produced by PBS Digital Studios and PBS North Carolina, shakes the dust off the history books to unravel myths, unearth narratives, and discover fresh perspectives. Subscribe to PBS Origins so you never miss an episode!    / pbsorigins   And keep up with Rogue History and PBS Origins on: Facebook:   / pbsdigitalstudios   Twitter:   / pbsds   Instagram:   / pbsds