Before the American Revolution there was almost two hundred years of colonization by European powers. As history becomes less of an ideological ax to grind and more of a reasonable account of actions and reactions, analysis like Mr. Taylor's is that much more important. 
Well written narrative and copious research makes such accounts a tremendous reading experience for the average slouch like me, who doesn't have the time or inclination to delve too deep or travel too far to get an understanding of what really transpired on this continent before the best hunting, fishing and gardening gig was canceled by ambition, disease and misunderstanding. I picked this book up about two years ago at Fort Ticonderoga. Despite about that amount of time to finish it, each concentrated effort was a pleasure and usually went far too fast. I was also determined to finish and review this book before any similar attempt at Thomas Wood's Politically Incorrect Guide to American History.
January 2007 Archives
I'm working on two new book reviews and actually created a category for them.
This is one I did about the Adirondacks. I don't recall the date.
My trips to the Adirondacks as a young man were markedly different since my admission to what Edward Abbey called the Winnebago tribe. High Peak jaunts and canoe portages have been replaced by the family campground with hot showers. The great donut hole battle on Long Lake, the Fong nation up Saddleback with a random Canuck and 'beaver fever' on the Oswegathcie were amongst the greatest moments.
The last trip included a stop at the Adirondack Museum during a rather rainy morning. Whereas one used to huddle or just gut one's way through such a mess, it's far easier for a spouse and two year old to visit the beautiful facility in Blue Mountain Lake. Departing through the gift shop required a book.
This was originally published on this site on December 19, 2005.
Friends of Bill W. maybe in for a rude shock if a pill helps cure what is commonly believed to be the disease of alcoholism. The popular 12-step program for 'drinkers' may no longer be that states best kept religious secret. When an alcoholic patient couldn't be cured of this affliction by eminent psycho therapist Carl Jung, he was urged to seek a spiritual or cathartic event which could do so.
So to, judges are compelled to send habitual and even first time offenders off to classes and sessions that resemble a tent revival more than any thing. Often heralded as a decentralized, atomistic example of good anarchy, 12 step programs enjoy a reprieve from the government in terms of religion. They have no centralized leader, they don't ask for money and one slip into drink topples one's status as a leader immediately. Tenure only comes with hardened spiritual resolve and more often then not evolves into a middle-age male with a small purvey on human and social interaction. No seminary required.
Originally published on this site on December 16, 2005.
If every man has freedom to do all that he wills, provided he infringes not the equal freedom of any other man, then he is free to drop connection with the state - to relinquish its protection and to refuse paying toward its support. ' - Herbert Spencer, The Right to Ignore the State
Harriet Meyers may have been the nomination from Hell for some conservatives and liberals will howl about Alito now, but what if the the Libertarian/Green coalition that will come to power in 2030 decided that only somebody outside the 'system' could be their nominee. My choice would be a disaffected surfer from Hawaii who smoked a lot of marijuana. 
This would bring a unique perspective to an institution that culls its own from a priest-like coterie of yes men/women of the Ivy League. Perhaps this individual wouldn't be so hung up on 'original intent' or a 'living document'. He or she might even conclude that judicial review itself was a construct of a dire dude who liked to dress up in black robes and intimidate people with his knowledge of silly English notions like common law from behind a big bench with a hammer. The average person can read The Document and understand it, why can't these high priced collars and robes ? Perhaps a bare-chested surfer dude who spent his time outdoors enjoying the world instead of attempting to mold it.