The latest addition to my reading list

Imperial Grunts by Robert D. Kaplan. For why, see this interview. I'm about half-way through Born Fighting by James Webb, about the Scots-Irish and their influence on American culture and politics. Kaplan's book will be a good follow up.

I can't help but see similarities between the history of the Scots-Irish and my own people, the Mormons. Both have been forged by generations of persecution. Both responded by moving to places that others didn't want and building a culture that has impacted history. Mormons aren't famed for being fighters, but it has always been part of our religion to uphold our Constitution and to serve honorably in the military. Even as they were leaving Illinois after being driven from their homes, the Mormon Pioneers organized a batallion for the Union Army. They didn't get to do much real fighting, but they served as ordered and the pay helped fund the exodus to Utah.