Stephen A. Smoot
- Author and Contributor, Freelance
- Politics and Policy Columnist, The Hampshire Review
- Historian and Editor, The Pendleton Times
Keyser, Virginia, West Virginia
Historian, Award winning editor of Pendleton Times, Moorefield Examiner, etc. Fmr Dir of Academic Programs @NJC_YAF Countrified Man of Letters.
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Articles by Stephen A. Smoot
Do not fear, even though giant flying spiders may almost be here
The national media marked the arrival of the native Chinese Joro spider to the Northeastern United States with typical breathless irresponsibility. Headlines screaming about giant flying venomous spiders terrified readers last week, but missed the mark on accuracy.
I should be dead
Normally, this column is a third person piece about the things that are good or bad, right or wrong, with the world. This month, I have a deeply personal testimony to share. Alongside my column here, I also edit the Pendleton Times, as well as the Shinnston News and Harrison County Journal. As a perfectionist when it comes to things I am responsible for doing well, I put in six to seven days a week to make these papers the best they possibly can be.
Unprecedented
American democracy is not immune to scandals. Combine power, deference and money, and bad apples will emerge over time. The Republic has endured a number of serious breaches of public trust over the years, but none compare to what the nation is seeing now. One of the biggest scandals featured a scam remembered as Credit Mobilier. There was an actual well-respected financial house in France with that name, but it had nothing to do with the scandal.
Bob Huggins deserved better
West Virginia University, in a lesser fashion, has joined a number of other nationally recognized brands that, for various reasons, unintentionally tanked its own brand. It remains to be seen how much damage the Mountaineer athletic department has done to itself. For the record, Bob Huggins carries the responsibility for his own actions. He chose to drink excessively. He chose to get behind the wheel of an automobile. He did not even know which city he was in, his intoxication level was so high.
‘Sunday as just another day’ is a sign of American societal decline
“Well, I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt.” Kris Kristofferson wrote this song about a hangover he earned after another hard night of drinking and drug use. He could put the letters M.A. after his name, which means Master of Arts, but worked as a janitor at the time. Ray Stevens, known later for his comedic Southern musical takes, first recorded the song.
In praise of Facebook
First, please do not construe this article to praise the Facebook company or its leadership in any way. Their election-related machinations, forays into dangerous AI research and other sketchy practices deserve scrutiny from at least the media. But that is not the Facebook that most people think about except in the context of a political discussion. The “other” Facebook is the online platform that has connected rural America in ways that even the company itself may not understand.
The future may be happening in Petersburg
Several months ago, Franklin town councilman Bruce Minor made a casual statement in a city meeting that ran counter to a line stoutly pushed by the national media and federal government. Minor, who also serves as a first responder and sits on the board of the Potomac Valley Transit Authority stated that electric vehicles, now commonly called “EVs,” could not be the future of transportation, at least in much of the country.
Ukraine, Ulysses S. Grant and containing Putin’s war
One year ago, the armed forces of the Russian Federation crossed the borders of Ukraine. They invaded their neighbor for a number of reasons. First, Ukraine, more specifically Kiev, is the cradle of Russian civilization. There in the early Middle Ages, sturdy Slavic peasants and seasoned Viking warriors and traders established Russia. Within a few centuries, original Russia divided into three.
What the gas stove debate ignited
Last month, the most foolhardy presidential administration in living memory stepped on its own feet again when it rolled out the idea of eventually banning production and sale of gas stoves. The attempted move revealed much about the federal government’s incredible convergence of hubris and ignorance, as well as why it has lost the confidence and trust of perhaps half of the nation.
Who speaks for childhood?
In recent months, parents and others have expressed concern over the rising discipline problems at Hampshire High School. These problems are not confined to this area, however. Administrators at Ripley High School currently face serious questions over their handling of an incident that happened last October where a soccer player was sexually assaulted during practice. The vice principal’s son was named as one of the accused, all of whom were permitted to remain in school during the investigation.
Who really threatens democracy
In the last election cycle, the word and idea of “democracy” took center stage in left wing campaigning. A close examination shows that, just as in most other affairs, Republicans and conservatives carry a different, and much more historically accurate, ideal of democracy than the Democrats on the left. The word democracy has traveled a curious path since its origin in Classical Greece.
The counterproductive things we tell our children
“You can do anything you set your mind to.” “Find a job that fulfills you and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Over the past generation, probably 2, children have been raised around these kinds of platitudes. They sound great in practice and set the imagination free to imagine a world of possibilities. Children and young adults imbibed these precepts like mother’s milk and shared them among each other as if they were gospel.
A less taxing proposition on reforming the IRS
Imagine walking into a restaurant and ordering food for your family. You order appetizers, main courses and drinks for everyone. At the end of your night, the waitress presents a form. That form requires you to figure up your own bill. If you do the math wrong or make some other error, then they charge you extra as a penalty. Remember, the restaurant also knows exactly how much to charge you. This hypothetical scenario makes zero sense to anyone in terms of patronizing a business.
Biden’s F-15 fantasies and threatening speeches fly in the face of political civility
For the 2nd time in his presidency, President Joe Biden has let loose a fantasy about solving political problems with F-15 fighter jets. In June of last year, Americans heard the 1st musings on this topic from the President.
Teaching history? Or celebrating Festivus?
Among Jerry Seinfeld’s notable cultural contributions, hands down the most influential comes from the invented holiday of “Festivus.” For those under the age of 40, Festivus was created by the father of character George Costanza, played by Jerry Stiller.
Did 'Trumpism' Originate with a Democrat?
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com. Since the 45th president first leapt from the world of business and media into politics, pundits have speculated endlessly about the origin of his populism. To the 21st century reporter and even casual observer, Trump’s aggressive and bombastic tribunesque populism appeared to come out of nowhere.
George Washington the Abolitionist
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com. In historiography, one learns that historians take facts and evidence to create interpretations of why events happened. The “what” is important, but the “why” serves as history’s lessons. The worst sin a professional historian can commit lies in holding a person, place, or event’s historical period against them. Marcus Aurelius, for example, served as Rome’s finest emperor.
Small, local businesses impacted by COVID-19
By Stephen Smoot Contributing Writer Despite COVID 19’s impact on small businesses and locally owned restaurants around the state and country, two Hamlin area restaurants - with the strong support of the community - still serve safely. Local restaurants have taken the brunt of rapid and almost week to week changes related to the global pandemic. They remain dedicated to customer safety regardless.
Why I Am A Proud American
The Heritage Foundation this week put out an important request. Americans of all backgrounds have responded with compelling stories of their or their families’ journey in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I have thousands of reasons why I am a proud American. Tracing my background on all sides back for hundreds of years, I find no aristocrats, no wealth, no fame. My family, however, had more than its share of hard workers, entrepreneurs, and brave soldiers.
End the Racism Witch Hunt Before More People Get Hurt
Would anyone today be surprised if a Democratic politician stood up in a midsize city, held up a piece of paper, and bellowed “I have here on this piece of paper a list of 50 racists in the State Department” or some other institution? Like the Red Scare of the 1950s, those who stand to benefit the most in power, attention, or money, have taken a legitimate social concern and exploded it into a mob fueled witch hunt.
Red Chinese Aggression, National Weakness, and the Mandate of Heaven
Author's Note: I use “Red China” and “Communist China” to make sure that criticism falls squarely on the evils of the government, not the proud and good people of China or their millennia old history. As of January of this year, large segments of the so-called People’s Republic of China seemed poised to upend the authoritarian state that had ruled over the country since just after the Second World War.
Ed McMahon, Richard Nixon, Late Night Shows, Civility, and the Presidency
Imagine a time when liberals dominate the late night talk show circuit, American society is ripped apart by politics and issues, and a Republican hated by the media launches a campaign for president. And then the Republican enjoys help from some of the most famous entertainers in the land. In his autobiography, For Laughing Out Loud, Ed McMahon described himself in 1968 as a “great admirer” of Hubert H. Humphrey.
Life In the Key of Hank Williams Jr.
The preacher man says it’s the end of time And the Mississippi River, she’s goin’ dry The interest is up and the stock market’s down An’ you only get mugged if you go downtown I live back in the woods ya see My woman and the kids and the dog and me I got a shotgun, a rifle, and a four wheel drive And a country boy can survive These lyrics came from a Hank Williams Jr. hit from almost 40 years ago, portraying the point of view of those who “came from the West Virginia coal mines,” the Rocky...
Beyond Unconditional Surrender: Defining Afghanistan Outcomes
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com. In February of 1862, Ulysses S. Grant forced the surrender of Confederate forces at Fort Donelson in Kentucky. His demands shocked his Confederate opponents and military observers from across the world accustomed to more chivalrous commanders. That demand was for a simple unconditional surrender. Turn your army over to the mercy of the victor with no guarantees of treatment.
Ye Shall Know Them By Their Fruits
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com. “Beware of false prophets , which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15 One of the great tricks the American Left seeks to play is bait and switch. This old con man trick lures the unsuspecting mark with an attractive label or description. Once they sell you the item, you realize that you didn’t get what was advertised.
Honey Producing Programs May Be A Natural Remedy For PTSD
In the mountains of West Virginia and the plains of Michigan, two programs pioneer a novel approach to treating veterans returning from war. The West Virginia Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture program and Michigan State University’s “Heroes to Hives” program, among others across the country, work to connect military veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with honey production as a natural remedy.
It's Time For #VEXIT
Solving the Stuart Conquest of Virginia In 1603, only a handful of years prior to the Jamestown Settlement, a top-down revolution shook what had been known until then as the Kingdom of England. The old Tudor Dynasty ended with Queen Elizabeth. She established England as a prosperous, if not peaceful, power. Under her reign, England knew external threats, but also developed internal tranquility and fierce loyalty to monarch and country until her death marked the end of her family’s line.
In Praise Of The Gig Economy
The etymology of the word “gig” is shrouded in mystery, but today it has a definite meaning. Getting a gig means that one has accepted or contracted for a temporary position or project for pay. According to Inc., 35 percent of the US workforce currently works in the gig economy with that number expected to rise to over 40 percent in 2020. Many perform temporary or project work in their spare time when not working their full-time job, while others cobble together enough work to make a living.
Bernie Sanders Owes Me Money
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com. Yes, Bernie Sanders owes me money, and probably a lot of other people as well. Recent financial disclosures of Senator Socialist’s finances reveal that he made over $1 million in the past two years. His earnings mainly come from best-selling books Our Revolution, Bernie Sanders’ Guide to Political Revolution, and Where We Go From Here.
What Translating Harry Potter Reveals About the Book of Mormon
Easily some of the most beloved and popular books in recent memory, the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling has charmed and captivated millions of fans around the world. English-speaking readers of the series, however, may take for granted the intense and sometimes frustrating task of translating the series into other languages.
Charlie Chaplain Versus Sony: Two Responses To Intimidation
11:44 AM 12/23/2014 | Opinion Stephen Smoot | Freelance Writer One of modern history’s worst years was 1940. Japanese forces expanded their cruel hold over millions of Chinese. German tanks rolled over France. The British government even debated for a few days whether to choose a prime minister who would again appease Hitler, or one who would confront evil with fighting spirit.
Imagine If It Were You
Imagine if it were a friend, a family member, or even a guy down the street to whom it happened. Imagine if the full weight of the federal government’s ponderous and powerful law enforcement, judiciary, and intelligence communities put their sights squarely on them, joined by ignorant and eager fellow travelers from media and the entertainment industry.
Green New Deal: Even More Authoritarian Than the Original
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent the views of Townhall.com. As Mitch McConnell stands poised to use the Senate to send the “Green New Deal” to the dustbin of history with a well-timed vote, the entire idea should bring to mind questions about the original.
The Case Must Go On
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent the views of Townhall.com. In the aftermath of a horrific and false media assault on what turned out to be exceptionally restrained high school kids, it has grown very clear that a large number of journalists and other media figures have grown into true inheritors of the mindless Paris mob of the French Revolution. Ring the Twitter tocsin and virtually spill blood in the streets.
Reasons for WWI confound many today
For most people, World War I has slipped into the gray fog of historical events rarely discussed or debated. In the United States particularly, its memory has faded in comparison to the still colorful conversations and sometimes controversy surrounding the Civil War and World War II.
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