Writer's Block | November 20th, 2015
On Thursday, Dec. 3, Zandbroz Variety will host author Michael Lansing in a reading and signing of his latest book, “Insurgent Democracy: The Nonpartisan League in North American Politics,” published this year by the University of Chicago Press. This nonfiction book chronicles the rise and decline of the Nonpartisan League, which was formed by North Dakota farmers in 1915 in an attempt to give power back to workers and rise above corporate and political authority.
The League, led by organizer A.C. Townley, was in favor of state ownership over banks, mills, and insurances, as well as suffrage for women, better regulation of public services, and easier access to education and healthcare, which were all instituted by Gov. Lynn J. Frazier. The League maintained control over North Dakota’s state government, and went on to spread to 13 states and two Canadian provinces. At its peak, the organization had over 250,000 paying members.
However, public opinion turned against the League when members were accused of opposing American participation in World War I. After the war ended, western North Dakota was hit with a drought, while grain prices dropped and the economy suffered. Finally, in 1921, a recall election removed Gov. Frazier from his position, and the League was subsequently disbanded.
Unfortunately, this time in history has been overlooked and even forgotten by historians, and is rarely taught in school. With “Insurgent Democracy,” Lansing relates this story as an example of how an ordinary group of citizens can create social reform through dedicated activism and assembly, and opens the floor for discussion on how it relates to modern politics.
Robert D. Johnston, author of “The Radical Middle Class,” described Lansing’s book as "beautifully written, deeply researched and compellingly argued… This book will be one of the most important rural, western and American political histories to emerge for some time.”
IF YOU GO:
Thursday, December 3
7:00 PM
Zandbroz Variety 420 Broadway N Fargo, ND
Admission is free
February 21st 2025
February 20th 2025
November 23rd 2024
April 18th 2024
October 2nd 2023
__293px-wide.jpg)
__293px-wide.jpg)
__293px-wide.jpg)
By Winona LaDukewinona@winonaladuke.comIt’s been eight years since the Water Protectors were cleared off the banks of the Cannonball and Missouri Rivers. It was a bitter ending to a battle to protect the water; and for most of us…
By HPR Staff We’re all a part of building strong, healthy and inclusive communities. But the region’s non-profit organizations do a lot of the heavy lifting. Now it’s time for these organizations to step into the spotlight.…
Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Hjemkomst Center202 1st Avenue N., MoorheadLet’s be real, Irish culture is on everyone’s mind in mid-March, so why not expand your horizons and…
By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com 2025 marks us halfway through the roaring 2020s. Boy, am I glad I didn’t bob my hair for this go-around. It feels like we’re off to the wrong roar, opening Pandora’s box of what-the-Fox…
By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comLennon: “Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can!”On January 8, 2025, Timothy W. Rybeck of “The Atlantic" magazine published “How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days” with the…
By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…
By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com As a food enthusiast, there’s nothing better than attending a local event featuring hotdish. And as far as hotdish events go, no place does it better than the fine folks at Brewhalla and Drekker…
Mooncats and Pert Near Sandstone play Empire TheatreBy Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comThe MoonCats describe themselves as “Americonscious Campfire Folk.” They have a clear acoustic folk sound with a sense of whimsy — think…
By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com Writer/director/performer Katarina Zhu’s feature debut “Bunnylovr” premiered to mixed reviews in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Despite the lack…
By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.com Everyone has heard the adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” However, it is safe to say there are far more than a thousand in Mickey Smith’s photographs. When one hears…
By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comHigh Plains Reader had the opportunity to interview two mysterious new game show hosts named Milt and Bradley Barker about an upcoming event they will be putting on at Brewhalla. What…
By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…
By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…
By Josette Ciceronunapologeticallyanxiousme@gmail.com What does it mean to truly live in a community —or should I say, among community? It’s a question I have been wrestling with since I moved to Fargo-Moorhead in February 2022.…
By Faye Seidlerfayeseidler@gmail.com On Dec 5, the Turning Point USA chapter at North Dakota State University hosted an event called BisonFest. This event featured Chloe Cole, a former trans kid, known for detransitioning and…
By Gilbert Kuipersgilbertkuipers@outlook.com I live in North Dakota District 24 and have been challenging the district Republicans about their understanding of climate science for years. There has been no serious response to my…