In our modern world, we often confuse hearing “news” with the ubiquitous presentations on television, radio, and social media.  Long before we were bombarded with broadcasted information and opinions, we shared “news” in a more human and sociable way, … at the local tavern.  Public houses and taverns played an integral role in the life of the American Colonies.  They weren’t simply places to drink. They were a place to meet like-minded individuals, meeting places at which to conduct business, shared spaces used by the courts and the militia, and clearinghouses for news about both local and global events. 

All along the newly cut roads and canals, and literally anywhere people had to rest while moving from one location to another in the colonies, taverns sprang up.  These taverns quickly became central locations for several aspects of colonial life. In taverns people drank and read the news of the day aloud to their fellow travelers.  Also, in an era when mass production of books and newspapers was limited and other forms of public entertainment were quite rare, people would gather in taverns to share a story, sing, and debate ideas of the time.   If you wanted to be in the know, you visited the tavern.

The local tavern quite likely was also the test bed for revolutionary ideas like independence.  It was in Boston’s Green Dragon Tavern that the Sons of Liberty discussed, then planned the Boston Tea Party, and in Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern US Marine Corps recruited its first enlistees.  Tradition has it that the delegates of both the first and second Continental Congress conducted a large part of their negotiations and planning in the City Tavern.  Taverns are, as Noah Webster would remark, the “birthplace of the American Revolution.” 

Now we are entering a new age of tyranny where our government has cast off the civility and wisdom of the Constitution.  These marvelous multimedia news agencies we have grown to rely upon have become censored, biased, and even eliminated to preserve the “Newspeak” of the Party.  Our society and hence ideas are increasingly segmented into ever smaller cliques and interests so that the free expression of ideas is suppressed.  Folks, there is no “thoughtcrime.”  We are AMERICANS and we thrive when we meet together and exchange ideas, especially when those meeting transcend our differences as the do at the tavern.

Like in 1787 when the Articles of Confederation were falling apart and the British had not honored all the terms of the Treaty of Paris, we need to plan a new treason and overthrow the current régime.  It needs to be done with diplomacy and statesmanship not arms. What better place to debate the issues of the day than in a tavern.

Come join the Admiral of the Blue Apron at the Fort Mifflin Cannonball Tavern on April 19th at 6pm and bring your strongest held beliefs.  Let’s challenge the new world order and reassert that “doublespeak” are just lies.  That war is not a path to peace; freedom is not best served by enslaving others; health is not advanced through spread of disease; ignorance is not strength; and blind obedience in not patriotism. In the tavern, the “Toughtpolice” do not control what you say, who you say it to, and whether you talk to you enemies as colleagues in a broader cause of our societal and national interests. 

We will also have all manner of libations for you to enjoy,  as well, good conversation (maybe even a few spies), tavern games, and great JOLLIFICATION! Come join us. Voice your opposition to tyranny, your support for the status quo, or your concerns for the future. We will take you as you come and embrace the debate of all loyal Americans who want to preserve the republic … and have a good time doing so.

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