Liberty and Religion

I have chosen the Liberty Bell as my picture showing American liberty and freedom. This bell has played a part in American history since it was rung for the first time on the 8th July 1776, 4 days after the Declaration of Independence was signed. While there is no proof that the bell rung on the 8th most historians believe that it did so. The bell was instead rung to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Lettering on the bell reads "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof Lev. XXX. v. X. BY ORDER OF THE ASSSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENSYLVANIA FOR THE STATE HOUSE IN PHILAD PASS AND STOW PHILAD MDCCLIII". "The Crack" first appeared when first rung in Philadelphia, and was twice recast by local workmen, John Pass and John Stow, whose last names appear on the bell. The large crack that appears in the picture is rumoured to have occurred in the early 19th century, when ringing to mark the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835.

For a picture that negates American liberty, I decided to use a picture of the Westboro baptist church. This is a group of extreme Christians that believe that they are gods messengers. They often picket funerals of soldiers and even attempted to picket the funeral of Robin Williams. They are known as "the most hated family in America". Some of their signs include "thank god for 9/11" and "pray for more dead soldiers". I feel that this is highly offensive and they represent the judgmental side of Christianity in  America. They have been the focus of many documentaries, such as Louis Theroux. Recently they attracted attention for an argument with comedian Adam Hills over the picketing of Robin Williams' funeral. They are an example of extreme hatred and judgement, and are very hateful of those who don't share the same views as themselves.