Free Republic

You can chart the course of human progress in terms of how clean our clothing is. In early times people used animal skins, had no change of clothing, and had no soap. By Adam Smith's day soap had improved in quality, was produced industrially, and was becoming available to the common man. In fact, the Industrial Revolution, which is usually discussed in terms of iron, steam, and factories, was actually all about bringing products like soap and underwear — previously only available to the rich — to the common peasants. Only after WWII did electric automatic clothes washers displace hand-cranked...

Anti-war activists in Fayetteville are exploring ways to take their protests up a notch, including the idea of civil disobedience and helping nurture resistance within the military. The discussion marks a significant shift in strategy for peace groups based around Fort Bragg. They have deliberately avoided police clashes at their vigils and demonstrations since 2001. Not since Vietnam and the civil rights movement has the city seen regular “direct-action” protests, the kind at which participants cause some sort of nonviolent disruption — and sometimes get arrested.But activists say such demonstrations may be the best way to continue focusing public attention...