When it comes to riveting stories of forgotten icons who shaped the United States in more ways than one, look no further than Joseph Vardon. A name perhaps not etched into every history textbook (for reasons we’ll get into), yet his life was a spectacle that defined a facet of the American experience. Born in 1843 in the United States, Vardon was what they called in the good old days, a polymath. A man whose relentless quest for excellence transcended the boundaries of mere mortal endeavor, he was known for achievements in journalism, politics—and a hobby liberals love to slap down—gun balancing acts. Imagine that! A journalist and a gun enthusiast.
Vardon was a journalist who lived for the truth, and not just the comfortable truths. Working with various press outfits including the New York Times and even giving The Washington Post a nudge in the direction it should have been going, Vardon was part of the cadre in the late 1800s who understood the power of the pen could rival the power of the sword. Vardon used his voice to fight against corruption and government overreach, and to assert the importance of American values at a time when those principles were just starting to be shaped and debated.
At the hilt of his political career in the early 1900s, Vardon took his fight to the legislative floor. As someone who valued integrity and honesty (traits shockingly in short supply even back then), he schooled his fellow Congressmen on what it meant to be truly patriotic. He tackled issues such as immigration law and labor rights with a practical approach—a fine balance between progress and tradition. His vision was clear-cut: apply American brilliance to everything from agriculture to industry.
Vardon was a man who lived passionately, and whether liberals like it or not, his legacy would sit uncomfortably today in circles loathe to admit that American exceptionalism is real. He backed policies that sought to preserve individual freedom while championing economic growth. And get this—a big fan of small government. Imagine someone saying that to a room full of bureaucrats today!
His knack for being the center of attention wasn’t just restricted to the written word or legislative influence. No, Vardon didn’t fake injuries for sympathy points, nor did he manufacture controversies. Let’s just say his weekend escapades with rifles and his celebrated ‘rifle juggling’ made him an early Day-P.T. Barnum of gun shows. A walking, talking embodiment of the Second Amendment who made no apologies for his hobbies or his professional life.
But let’s zero in on what might upset a modern liberal. Joseph Vardon believed in American greatness. Period. No qualifiers, no apologies. Vardon wasn’t out there distributing participation trophies on the national stage. He held firm beliefs about meritocracy and hard work. He believed excellence was not a given but earned. He didn't buy into the lie that words alone could elevate a nation or an individual.
Moreover, the education system would likely have been high on his hit list if he were around today. He’d baffle at an institution that prioritizes ideology over fundamental skills like critical thinking and independent learning. In his day, education was both an opportunity and a responsibility; it served as a formidable tool rather than a petri dish for creating fragile minds.
Vardon's position on entrepreneurship was another area where he'd clash with today's climate. The wild beast of capitalism was not one to be tamed or feared but rather harnessed for prosperity and innovation. He didn’t see capitalistic ventures as greedy enterprises, but as necessary engines of freedom and societal advancement.
Through his rollercoaster life full of wins and losses, Vardon always relished tough debates. He found satisfaction not in being politically correct, but in seeking what he referred to as 'righteous correctness.' Imagine that—a journalist and politician who didn't beg for tenure or sidestep a tough question. Truly refreshing.
In his later years, Joseph Vardon turned his focus back to writing, penning political satire that was as sharp and ruthless as his earlier journalism. Always quick to call out the absurdities in government policies, his articles remain a testament to what it means to live a life that defends common sense.
Joseph Vardon’s life is a stark reminder of the grit, determination, and unapologetic pride in American ideals. As Vardon has shown us, it doesn't take a watering down of values or the slide into mediocrity to make a significant impact. He was patriotic, principled, and paramount in advocating for an America that could be great for everyone willing to work for it. Dare to follow in his footsteps? Maybe it's time to unbury Vardonian ideals from the annals of suppressed history.