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
November 23rd 2024
April 18th 2024
October 2nd 2023
April 23rd 2023
March 15th 2023
__293px-wide.jpg)
By Winona LaDukewinona@winonaladuke.com The business of Indian Hating is a lucrative one. It’s historically been designed to dehumanize Native people so that it’s easier to take their land. ‘Kill the Indian, save the man,”…
By Winona LaDukewinona@winonaladuke.comThere’s not really a word for reconciliation, it's said in our language. There’s a word for making it right. To talk about reconciliation in terms of the relationship between Indigenous…
Saturday, December 7, 3-8 p.m.Cows & Co Creamery, 7321 1st St. NE, Carrington NDA European Christmas market meets good ol’ fashioned North Dakota fun during this holiday celebration. Enjoy food, merriment, hot drinks, cozy…
By Jim Fugliejimfuglie920@gmail.com Okay, so last month I promised you a woman President of the United States. So much for my predictability quotient. Lesson 1: Never promise something you can’t control. And nobody, not even…
By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comWith What is Happening in the World, Why not Artificial Intelligence? Since Lucy fell out of a tree and walked about four million years ago, she has been evolving to humans we call Homo sapiens. We…
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 In this land of hotdish and ham, the knoephla soup of German-Russian heritage seems to reign supreme. In my opinion though, the French have the superior soup. With a cheesy top layer, toasted baguette…
__300x100.jpg)
By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.com Local band Zero Place has been making quite a name for itself locally and regionally in the last few years. Despite getting its start during a time it seemed the whole world was coming to…
By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com Writer-director Nicole Riegel’s sophomore feature “Dandelion” is now playing in theaters following a world premiere at South by Southwest in March. The movie stars KiKi Layne as the…
By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comIn 1974, the Jamestown Arts Center started as a small space above a downtown drugstore. It has grown to host multiple classrooms, a gallery, performance studio, ceramic studio and outdoor art park.…
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.…
Rynn WillgohsJanuary 25, 1972-October 8, 2024 Rynn Azerial Willgohs, age 52, of Vantaa, Finland, died by suicide on October 8, 2024. Rynn became her true-self March 31, 2020. She immediately became a vocal and involved activist…
By Faye Seidlerfayeseidler@gmail.com My name is Faye Seidler and I’m a suicide prevention advocate and a champion of hope. I think it is fair to say that we’ve been living through difficult times and it may be especially…