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I read the book Bitter Harvest. It tells the story of Gordon Kahl and his struggle for freedom from taxation. Gordon Kahl was a hard-working farmer, a war hero, and a religious patriot. He had respected the government most of his life. He was also part of the ultra-right-wing Posse Comitatus and a fierce protestor of taxes. He refused to pay his taxes and spent time in prison for tax evasion. He vowed when he was released that he would never go back to prison. Of course, Gordon violated his probation and federal marshals were sent to arrest him. His son and himself killed two officers and the Gordon went on the run. He was on the run through many states, hiding with families that were sympathetic to his situation. This story tore communities and families apart. People understood why Gordon was upset, they too were losing their farms due to taxes and the government. Others didn’t understand why the violence had to escalate so quickly. I really enjoyed the song that Isern showed us in class about this story. A freedom fighter is just the word to describe Gordon. I wonder if his military background had anything to do with him resorting to violence so quickly. I’m sure his experience in prison also influenced that. This book does a really good job of helping the reader understand the facts behind the shooting as well as the people it affected. The author is from a farm near the Kahl farm and has personal experience with this story. He goes deep into the emotions that people felt and how locals were torn between what they believed. It really divided neighbors. This book is of value to us as students because it is both very interesting, closely personal, as well as a good representation of the resilience and stubborn beliefs of Plains folk.