Adam Johnson
Forum Replies Created
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What is a Tennessee Volunteer?
The term “Tennessee Volunteer” refers to a nickname for people from the state of Tennessee and is also famously the mascot name for the athletic teams of the University of Tennessee.2 Its origin is deeply rooted in American military history, reflecting a strong tradition of Tennesseans volunteering for military service during critical times for the nation.3
📌 Historical Origins – The “Volunteer State”:
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War of 1812: Tennessee earned its nickname, the “Volunteer State,” primarily due to the overwhelming response of its citizens volunteering for service during the War of 1812.4
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A call for 2,500 volunteers from Tennessee to serve under General Andrew Jackson (a Tennessean himself) in the Natchez Expedition and later in the Creek War and the Battle of New Orleans was met and exceeded by enthusiastic Tennesseans.5
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Their pivotal role, especially at the Battle of New Orleans (January 1815), where American forces decisively defeated the British, cemented the reputation of Tennessee soldiers for their bravery and eagerness to serve.6
Mexican-American War (1846-1848): The nickname was further solidified during the Mexican-American War.
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When a national call was made for 2,600 volunteers from Tennessee, approximately 30,000 Tennesseans responded, far surpassing the quota. This extraordinary turnout underscored the state’s readiness to contribute to national military efforts.
📌 Modern Usage and Significance:
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State Identity: “The Volunteer State” is the official state nickname of Tennessee and a significant point of pride for its residents.7 It symbolizes a legacy of patriotism, courage, service, and a willingness to take initiative.
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University of Tennessee: The athletic teams of the University of Tennessee are famously known as the “Volunteers” (often shortened to “Vols”).8 This association is a major aspect of the state’s cultural identity, with the university’s teams carrying the historical legacy into the realm of collegiate sports. The mascot, Smokey (a Bluetick Coonhound), and the “Power T” logo are widely recognized.9
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Civic and Cultural Connotations: Beyond the military and sports, the “Volunteer” spirit is often invoked to encourage civic participation, community service, and a general proactive approach to societal challenges within Tennessee. It speaks to an ideal of Tennesseans as people who don’t wait to be asked but step forward to help when needed.
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Political Symbolism: In political contexts, aligning with the “Volunteer spirit” can be a way for leaders and candidates to connect with Tennessee’s heritage, emphasizing values like duty, sacrifice, and proactive problem-solving.
💬 Final Thought:
The “Tennessee Volunteer” is more than just a historical footnote or a sports team name; it’s a deeply ingrained part of Tennessee’s identity that speaks to a legacy of service and proactive participation. While its historical roots are military, the spirit it embodies continues to be a source of pride and a call to action for Tennesseans in many aspects of civic and community life, influencing how they see themselves and their role in the nation. 🇺🇸🤝
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Technically, Planned Parenthood Federation of America is a 501(c)(3) organization. That means donations are tax-deductible. It’s important to understand the tax implications when considering charitable contributions.
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Before we even think about design, we need to clarify our message. What are we trying to achieve with this website? Is it to raise awareness, solicit donations, or recruit volunteers? The content needs to tell our story in a compelling way. We need strong calls to action and easy ways for people to get involved. Let’s focus on clear, impactful messaging that resonates with our target audience.
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Look, we’ve tried a lot of things. In my experience, it’s less about the ‘best’ software and more about what staff will actually use. Something simple, integrated with our other tools, and with good support is key. We ended up with a customized Salesforce solution, but it was a long, expensive process. If you can get away with something like Microsoft Access or even a robust spreadsheet, that might be enough.
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Salary expectations for a political science graduate? Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Sure, you can land a position in government or a nonprofit, but the starting salary isn’t usually all that high. Expect to earn somewhere between $40,000 and $50,000 at the entry level, especially if you’re working in public service or advocacy. The big bucks are likely to come after a few years, especially if you land a role in the private sector or consulting, where salaries can easily hit $70,000 or more.
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Political podcasts have become an essential medium for people who want to stay informed about politics in a time when digital content consumption is at its peak. Here are some of the top and most listened-to political podcasts:
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1. Pod Save America
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Description: Hosted by former Obama staffers, this podcast is hugely popular among liberal listeners. It offers sharp commentary and interviews with political figures.
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Why It’s Popular: It’s engaging, insightful, and always up-to-date on current events, often tackling hot-button political issues with humor and urgency.
2. The Daily (by The New York Times)
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Description: A go-to podcast for concise news summaries, offering deep dives into the most pressing political stories of the day.
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Why It’s Popular: Its 20-minute episodes are easy to consume, and the show covers everything from the latest scandal to broader political trends. Great for busy people who need to stay informed.
3. The Ben Shapiro Show
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Description: A daily podcast offering commentary from a conservative viewpoint, Ben Shapiro’s podcast has a massive following.
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Why It’s Popular: Known for its fast-paced delivery and controversial takes, it resonates with conservative audiences, offering analysis on everything from politics to culture.
4. NPR Politics Podcast
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Description: A daily podcast that covers a wide range of political issues and stories from NPR’s seasoned political correspondents.
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Why It’s Popular: NPR has a reputation for impartial reporting, and this podcast reflects that with balanced reporting and deep dives into policy discussions.
5. FiveThirtyEight Politics
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Description: If you love data and analysis, this podcast covers political trends, election forecasts, and policy discussions based on hard data.
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Why It’s Popular: It stands out for its reliance on statistics and polling to predict political outcomes, making it a go-to for data lovers.
Conclusion: The “most listened-to” political podcasts tend to vary based on the listener’s political leanings and preferences. Whether you’re seeking informative political discourse, data-driven analysis, or partisan commentary, there is a podcast that aligns with your interests and keeps you engaged with the current political landscape.
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Politics can be overwhelming, but some books really help navigate it, especially when they show how things could be different. These books not only offer historical insights but challenge our views:
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“The Shock Doctrine” by Naomi Klein – An eye-opening read about how free-market capitalism exploits crises to expand its power.
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“A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn – A refreshing take on American history from the viewpoint of the marginalized.
“The Conscience of a Conservative” by Barry Goldwater – If you’re into understanding the roots of modern conservative thought, this is a must. These books will give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading them!
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As a small business owner, I’ve found that the Republican Party has historically been more supportive of policies that benefit my business. They tend to advocate for lower taxes, less regulation, and more pro-business incentives. Policies like tax cuts for small businesses, simplified tax codes, and deregulation make it easier to reinvest in my company and hire employees. That said, I also believe that some Democratic policies—like raising the minimum wage and expanding healthcare options—are beneficial for my employees, even if they can be more challenging for my profit margins. It’s a balancing act, but overall, the GOP’s policies align more closely with what I need to succeed.
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Canvassing is technically not considered soliciting, but it can definitely feel like it, depending on how it’s done. The distinction lies in the fact that canvassing typically involves engaging voters and sharing information about candidates or causes, whereas soliciting often involves requesting money or selling something. Still, there are legal nuances in different areas, and many places have specific rules about canvassing. Always check local regulations before knocking on doors to avoid issues with local laws.
