The main thing that stood out to me in this essay is the historic conflict between religion, government, and freedom of speech. Throughout history, religion has played a large role in the censorship and intolerance to differing opinions. One of the connections I made in response to this essay was the way the church controlled others’ freedom of speech by using scare tactics. Some of these scare tactics include the predestination theory, indulgences, and the overarching threat of Hell itself. This religious oppression has been the root of many revolutions and reformations throughout history, including the Protestant Reformation. However, religion was not the only factor in the historic oppression of freedom of speech. Monarchies are famous for their intolerance and unfairness throughout history. A good example of this is the French Revolution which was caused by multiple factors, one of which was the suppression of freedom of speech. This is why The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen declared freedom of speech an inalienable right as a response to the French Revolution. Even the American Revolution was caused in part by the desire for freedom of speech. Those who spoke out against the king would face repercussions, and as a result the Declaration of Independence lists Freedom of Speech an inalienable right in the First Amendment. I also found it interesting that Milton said superstition and free speech could not coexist because there have been many instances in the past of fear causing others to act irrationally. This also connects back to how religion uses fear tactics to control others. That thought resonated with me most because I found it so agreeable and also very capable of being supported through past events. I feel as though fear and superstition are often the causes of people attempting to control others whether it’s through power or fear.