OP-ED: The Future Is Appalachian

BY Rev. T.J. Smith

If you know the name of several US senators but can’t recall the name of your county sheriff, this piece is for you. But first, some history to expose the factors that lead to that sad state of affairs.

Ever heard of Appalachiastan? Well, it’s not a Muslim republic in Central Asia. It’s basically a good part of America that falls northeast and southeast of I-70. Which includes half of Ohio. The central Asian “stan” is added to draw attention to the parallels between the rugged Afghani tribes and – believe it or not – you and me. For example, the redoubtable Scots-Irish folk of the US Appalachian mountain region have more in common with the Pashtuns than you would imagine. Mountain people of whatever stripe are just different. They distrust outsiders, live in places not amenable to quick assimilation, have an honor-based society, and most distinctly, place their family and neighbors above all other considerations.

A large part of Ohio is mountainous, full of hardscrabble types who may not fit in at the swanky spots in Columbus or Cleveland, and this is a good thing. They are much like the mujahedin of the Afghan mountains who have held out against several empires. Of course, all is not well for the Appalachian folk, or Americans in general. A lot of this Appalachian-style independent thinking and living is being slowly bred out of us because of our – here it is – trust of outsiders. Like the “public servants” of our central government.

These thoughts were occasioned by listening to the “Chasing Ghosts” podcast of retired US Army officer Bill Buppert  The focus of his historical talks is irregular warfare. In a recent episode Buppert explains how the Afghan mountain people held out and were victorious against the British empire in three separate wars (19th & 20th centuries).  Against the Soviets in a decade of fighting (1979-1989). And sadly, against the American empire after a 20-year war (2001-2021). Historians have for good reason called Afghanistan “Graveyard of Empires.”

Now to our principal concern – Why this history of blunders and failures by western powers? It’s a pattern obviously. Apparently Western cultures are in the dark when it comes to grasping tribal society. And how does knowing the “why” of these blind spots cast light on our situation? Stick around and we’ll come back to Ohio. 

Here’s the argument -Buppert mentions several bad assumptions of US forces as they struggled to pacify Afghanistan. The main issue was US leaders thought that region we call Afghanistan was a country. Why this absurd assumption? Apparently because there are lines on a map and the place has a city called “the capital” full of “leaders.” So, off we went with the oil spot strategy of capturing a piece of ground and trying to spread the oil as it were out into the countryside. Why did we do this? If the regional warlords, headmen, and tribal chiefs didn’t give a fig about Kabul and it’s “leaders” why did we? We missed the clear evidence that tribal, language, and regional groups remain fiercely independent. And key.

So, relative to our situation here in the environs of Ohio’s Appalachiastan, what was the flash of insight I had listening to Buppert? He didn’t say it but it occurred to me – The reason westerners don’t “get” tribal culture is because we are still basically monarchists at heart. Think about it. The founding American government was most heavily influenced by British traditions and customs – what the Founders knew and experienced. That is why the looser Articles of Confederation were ditched in 1789 and we instead set up a Constitution with a strong chief executive officer – the office of the president. A monarch for all intents and purposes. Do you doubt me? I have two words for you – executive orders. (This also explains why the initial and abortive attempts to propose George Washington as a king arose and were even considered). And culturally, what is the central influence on us? Well, of course it is the Bible, which is rife with kings, proconsuls, and most significantly, the one who is honored rightly as “King of Kings.”  We are monarchists at heart. (Whether this tends to being good or bad can be a separate discussion; but the fact remains, we assume the utility of a strong central government more often than not).

Even after 240 years of independence, many Americans still reflexively defer to the “higher” jurisdiction of Washington, DC. Even when it’s some unelected bureaucrat 1,000 miles away flexing about a rule created last month. But not in Appalachiastan. We of that ilk bristle at the heavy hand of federal rules never enacted as laws. And in the matter of enacted laws, we quote Rev. King with approval, “An unjust law is no law at all.”

So what to do? First, an independent mountain people focuses on what can be seen or affected. We are not exercised or consumed with “news” about city slickers in Columbus or Babylon-on-the-Potomac. Informed and aware, yes. But not focused on the uniparty’s dog-and-pony-show. (And don’t get me started on the distracting blight that is sports and celebrity worship!)

If we can shed tacit monarchist assumptions, we’ll be freed up for what’s of real importance like local matters. And supremely, faith, family, and neighbors. Another great podcaster, Lt. Col. Steven Murray refers to this approach as “Line of sight and sphere of influence.” In effect, if you can’t see it and if you can’t influence it, then why make it central to your efforts? Seeing what precious little time you have.

Much better to help your community and prepare your loved ones and friends for the future. You’ll be better off taking a plate of cookies to your neighbors this Christmas and getting to know your sheriff… Like they do in Appalachia.