Anne Applebaum's piece in Slate argues that we have been blessed in recent history by a political system that has, for the most part, kept them [conspiracy theories] outside the mainstream of American political life. With the possible exception of the anti-masonic movement in the 19th century and some of the madder moments of the … Continue reading Are Conspiracy Theories Central to U.S. Political Debate?
Andrew Jackson’s Otherworldly Regrets
Betsy Phillips at the Nashville Scene has written an interesting piece on nineteenth-century Spiritualism's treatment of Andrew Jackson. In particular, she noted the claims by Isaac and Amy Post, in their 1852 Voices from the Spirit World, that Jackson told them that he "was wrong in almost every thing" that he did during his lifetime. If you're like me, you probably … Continue reading Andrew Jackson’s Otherworldly Regrets
Donald Trump: A Modern-Day Andrew Jackson?
In a recent Minnesota Star Tribune editorial, Stephen B. Young, global executive director of the Caux Round Table, calls Donald Trump a modern-day Andrew Jackson. His argument centers on an understanding of both men as populist tribal leaders defending the middle class against "the effete elite." Some of Young's analysis rings true, but he repeats some … Continue reading Donald Trump: A Modern-Day Andrew Jackson?
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 