Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

It's Constitution Week: Australians often exercise their freedom by protesting government policies, in this case the country's on-going commitment to the war in Afghanistan. As in the USA, though, the ultimate protest is expressed through the ballot box. Australia's ground-breaking contribution to voting? The 'Australian ballot.' Look it up. [2011]

Madrid, Spain

It's Constitution Week:  At Puerta del Sol in Madrid, ardent Catholics made a last-minute attempt to get the attention of their representatives in the Spanish Parliament. About to pass was a new law permitting abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. The plaza was packed, but the protest was unable to stop the new legislation. [2010]

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

It's Constitution Week:  Here, in front of Queensland's Parliament, Vietnamese immigrants from the 1970s are letting their leaders know they disapprove of Vietnam's Communist government. Even though Australians don't have a Bill of Rights, the people seem to think they do. Looks like the sign's been recycled, so this must be a repeat performance. [2006]

London, England, UK

It's Constitution Week: The right to express yourself freely was not an American idea. It had deep roots in English history. Today, those roots are played out every Sunday in Hyde Park, where Speakers' Corner comes alive with rhetoric high and low. From this soapbox issues an argument for "one world government." [2008]

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA

It's Constitution Week: On this day in 1787, the new Constitution of the United States went up for signature. With the addition of the Bill of Rights, Americans were guaranteed rights to free speech and assembly. Here's a time-honored way of exercising those rights: a street protest. On the opposite corner was the VFW advocating for "the troops." [2008] 

Bangkok, Thailand

In Thailand, it seems like every business and home has one: a spirit house. Few are this large, but all are inhabited by protective spirits who are honored with offerings. Inside, figurines represent deities, demigods, or ancestors. On the landscape, they illustrate syncretism: the absorption of animist and Hindu traditions by followers of the Buddha. [2011]

Portsmouth, England, UK

If you are looking for inspiration, seek out folk heroes like John Pounds. Though crippled and no more than a cobbler, he had one of the 'big ideas' of his age (200 years ago). He began teaching poor children for free and became the progenitor of England's 'ragged schools.' To keep his spirit alive, Portsmouth's Unitarians have rebuilt his workshop in their garden. [2011]