In 1798, President John Adams enacted the Alien and Sedition Acts to curb dissent amidst rising tensions with France. Critics, notably Vice President Thomas Jefferson, accused Adams of suppressing free speech. Benjamin Franklin’s grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache, an editor critical of Adams, was jailed, as was Congressman Matthew Lyon, who published a critical newspaper using a press he obtained from Franklin. Despite his arrest, Lyon was re-elected while in jail, highlighting tensions between government authority and individual liberties.

Singer-songwriter John Daly, reflecting on this historical context amid contemporary politics, created a musical titled Spit’n Lyon: An Unsung Soldier’s Song. This 30-song work narrates Lyon’s life, from his roots as an Irish revolutionary to his battles against censorship. Holding performances dressed in period attire, Daly aims to educate Vermonters on Lyon’s fight for free speech, particularly relevant in today’s political climate, as he draws parallels between Adams’ actions and those of incoming President Donald Trump.

Daly expressed dismay over the persistence of such issues, particularly the relationship between media and power. He noted corporate media’s propensity to appease political figures and highlighted recent moves by social media platforms to reduce scrutiny of posted content. Through his musical, Daly strives not only to connect history with contemporary struggles but also to inspire resilience among the youth. He emphasizes that Lyon’s legacy represents the fight against tyranny, urging the necessity of an informed electorate to sustain democracy as the 250th anniversary of American democracy approaches in 2026.