[TAP ONLINE]

Oh that smell! Can't you smell that smell?

[Dan from Michigan]

"oak tree you're in my way"

[Kenny Bunk]

To begin with, Protestantism was unimaginable without Jewish theologians (who exposed the incompatibilities of free will and original sin), not to mention Jewish bible translators. In such a world, congregations must elect their church elders (Presbyterians) or even their pastors (Congregationalists), rather than accept church hierarchy. If democracy rules ecclesiastical affairs, why not then secular affairs as well?

This is why the Massachusetts Bay Colony (where Christmas was illegal) tolerated and even promoted the presence of Jews, who among other onerous duties, taught Hebrew at Harvard, which was a Congo seminary. OTOH, Quakers were whipped naked through the streets, Catholics were imprisoned and worse, and even Anglicans who were too "Roman" were in a world of hurt. Even fellow Congos who were a little adventurous got exiled to ghastly places: Roger Williams (not the piano player) and Anne Hutchison among others. Maine was the destination of Baptists and Unitarians.

As a certified Keeper Of Odd Knowledge, I am struggling as we speak, to (a) change trousers and (b) fit these facts into the conspiracy theory. I'll keep youse posted.