Hughie leaned the 12-gauge against the doorframe, handy but hidden. He stepped onto the porch.
The man got out of the Cadillac, smiled at him. “Mr. Tweedy? My name’s Hoskins. I represent––”
“I know who you are,” said Hughie. “If you come to talk about selling, I’m not interested.”
The man’s eyes went hard above the smile. “Mr. Tweedy, there’s a law in this state. Eminent domain.”
“Don’t apply here,” said Hughie. “You want to run your pipeline through my grandaddy’s trees on my granddaddy’s farm. A privately owned pipeline.”
“We’re creating jobs.”
“Bullshit. You’re thieves. Get off my land.”
This is a vignette based on the true story of my friend Hughie Tweedy and his fight against the DAPL pipeline. This is one of those times that the truth was far more interesting and bizarre than fiction. Hughie fought the heinous corporation as long as he could, but the corrupt Iowa legislature sided with the shareholders and the pipeline went through his farm. America espouses democracy, but in most of its practices it is yet another in a long line of financially motivated oligarchies.
Go Hughie!
I’m cheering for the Little Guy, and I hope his story has a happy ending.
Dear Josh,
I’d say you captured your friend to a T. Loved the voice of a man with cajones. well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Sometimes all you can do is just say it like it is. You might not be able to stop things happening, but at least you know you said your piece. Good one.
Before I had read your coda, I had a feeling poor Hughie was going to end up on the losing side. It just seems to be the way of the world.
That’s so truly unfair and demoralising. Happens here too, encroachments and unjust evictions. Very well written.
Well done, Josh. Hughie fought the good fight, for sure. In the end, the little people are rarely the winners…
You’ve captured the voice and the mood very well. I felt as though I was watching the scene play out in real life. A pity the little guy lost. Well done, Josh!
I hope he doesn’t have to use that gun!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Well done Hugh for standing up for what was right.
And if he doesn’t leave there’s always the shotgun.
This one resonates Josh – when it comes down to it, in most capitalist states that claim to be democracies, money talks louder than personal rights and freedom. Wonderfully written as always
More power to Hughie. Nicely written, JHC.
I wouldn’t argue if I were you chum! Hughie ‘aint joking!
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I suspect Hughie knew it was a losing battle, but he never stood down. Hats off to Hugh!
Even though I want him to win, I don’t think he stands any chance. The die is loaded against the small guy across the world.
It makes my blood boil when land is taken under compulsory purchase. If you own the land, nobody should be able to force you to sell it.
I cheered for Hughie until I was saddened by the “rest of the story.” I can’t imagine the pain, anger and frustration, to have no say in what’s to become of precious land, trees, etc.