Popcorn Sutton: Whiskey Rebel

“Jesus turned water into wine, I turned it into damn likker” – Popcorn Sutton Appalachia’s history is largely comprised of tales of resistance of one form or another. The poster child of Appalachia’s rebellion against unjust authority has always been the Moonshiner, the maker of non-government approved distilled spirits. These spirits were commonly referred to […]

Thomas Paine: Common Sense

Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775–76 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies. Written in clear and persuasive prose, Paine marshaled moral and political arguments to encourage common people in the Colonies to fight for egalitarian government. It was published anonymously on January 10, 1776, at […]

America’s Most Deified Politician

Gettysburg, 1863. . . . has a birthday today that is celebrated throughout the land, especially at neocon think tanks and tabloids.  I speak of course of the man the “Straussian” wing of neoconworld refers to as “Father” Abraham Lincoln.  So I thought I’d offer some reading suggestions as part of today’s birthday celebration. Lincoln […]

Allison’s Cavalry

Colonel R.D. Allison Captain, 24th Tennessee Regiment. Later elected Colonel, 24th Tennessee Regiment. Raised Allison’s Cavalry Squadron, Dekalb County, Tennessee 1862. Battles include: Shiloh, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Tunnel Hill. Wounded six times in battle and gained distinction for daring and bravery. Picture courtesy of family collection. Taken: 1870, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Allison’s Tennessee […]