From Rebellion:
1:12 PM (9 hours ago)This day in historyfrom feed/http://lsrebellion.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default by Old RebelIn 1861, Missouri Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson signed the Missouri Ordinance of Secession, passed the previous day by a quorum of the State Legislature in Neosho, Missouri.
Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City, was already occupied by Federal forces.
Thanks to loyal reader Dutchy for the heads up!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
150 Years Ago In Arkansas: Four Flags Over El Dorado
From The Arkansas Toothpick:
« 150 Years Ago… Drama in Arkansas
Main
November Toothpick Update »
150 Years Ago… 4 Flags Over El Dorado
By admin
October 31, 2010
This week 150 years ago, the election of 1860 was heating up. Several weeks prior, the reader may note the presence of the Everett/Bell Flag in Searcy. A November 1, 1860 Arkansas newspaper makes note that four poles were raised as far south as El Dorado, Arkansas; one for each of the politicians that were supported by South Arkansans.
1860 Arkansas saw the design and manufacture of many and varied flags, whether they be political flags, militia flags, or other flags for varied occassions. Today, creating a flag is as simple as creating a design and having it either embroidered or screen printed. However, during the 1860’s, a flag must be carefully hand-stitched and hand-embroidered. Thus, the creation of a “unique and expressive” flag was quite the chore.
One reason for the increase in flag making can be seen in the fact that 1860 America, whether North or South, saw the election of 1860 as the most important election of their lifetimes.
[LITTLE ROCK] OLD-LINE DEMOCRAT, November 1, 1860, p. 3, c. 3
Col. E. A. Warren made a most eloquent and effective speech at Eldorado on the 15th inst., where during the week there were four poles raised, one for Breckinridge, one for Bell, one for Douglas and one for HOUSTON and CHANDLER, which last named the Camden Eagle says, was “unique and expressive.”
“The ‘lone star’ twinkled in one corner, the inscription in the middle and below stood the old hero of San Jacinto pointing at the coon which was approaching him, while his associate was after him with a “sharp stick.” The new ticket had many warm supporters, in consequence of an able speech made by the distinguished candidate for the Vice Presidency.—His fame, already great, was greatly added to on this occasion.
Topics: 150th Anniversary Project, Research
« 150 Years Ago… Drama in Arkansas
Main
November Toothpick Update »
150 Years Ago… 4 Flags Over El Dorado
By admin
October 31, 2010
This week 150 years ago, the election of 1860 was heating up. Several weeks prior, the reader may note the presence of the Everett/Bell Flag in Searcy. A November 1, 1860 Arkansas newspaper makes note that four poles were raised as far south as El Dorado, Arkansas; one for each of the politicians that were supported by South Arkansans.
1860 Arkansas saw the design and manufacture of many and varied flags, whether they be political flags, militia flags, or other flags for varied occassions. Today, creating a flag is as simple as creating a design and having it either embroidered or screen printed. However, during the 1860’s, a flag must be carefully hand-stitched and hand-embroidered. Thus, the creation of a “unique and expressive” flag was quite the chore.
One reason for the increase in flag making can be seen in the fact that 1860 America, whether North or South, saw the election of 1860 as the most important election of their lifetimes.
[LITTLE ROCK] OLD-LINE DEMOCRAT, November 1, 1860, p. 3, c. 3
Col. E. A. Warren made a most eloquent and effective speech at Eldorado on the 15th inst., where during the week there were four poles raised, one for Breckinridge, one for Bell, one for Douglas and one for HOUSTON and CHANDLER, which last named the Camden Eagle says, was “unique and expressive.”
“The ‘lone star’ twinkled in one corner, the inscription in the middle and below stood the old hero of San Jacinto pointing at the coon which was approaching him, while his associate was after him with a “sharp stick.” The new ticket had many warm supporters, in consequence of an able speech made by the distinguished candidate for the Vice Presidency.—His fame, already great, was greatly added to on this occasion.
Topics: 150th Anniversary Project, Research
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Fighting With General Joseph E. Johnston To The Bitter End
From Confederate Digest:
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Fighting with General Joseph E. Johnston to the Bitter End
This imposing monument to Confederate General Joseph E. Johnson Stands on one of the most prominent intersections in downtown Dalton, Georgia. The inscription reads:
JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON
1807 - 1891
Brigadier General U.S.A.
General C.S.A.
Given command of the Confederate
Forces in Dalton in
1863. He directed the 79 days
Campaign to Atlanta, one of the
Most memorable in the annals of war.
Erected by Bryan M. Thomas
Chapter United Daughters of
Confederacy, Dalton, Georgia, 1912
*****
I am very proud to say that one of my great uncles, John Thomas Conn, fought with General Johnston during that Atlanta Campaign. My great uncle was a native of Big Shanty, Georgia, later named Kennesaw. He was literally fighting to defended his family and home against invading Yankee aggressors. John Thomas, along with three of his brothers, volunteered for service in the Confederate army shortly after the outbreak of the War Between the States.
By the time John Thomas came under the command of General Johnston, all three of his brothers, including my Great, Great Grandfather, William Elisha Conn, had been killed. John Thomas himself had been captured at Perryville, Kentucky and spent time in two northern POW Camps, one in Indianapolis, Indiana and the other on Pea Patch Island in Delaware. After being exchanged and released from prison, he immediately rejoined the War in the just and noble quest for Southern Independence.
John Thomas was faithful to the Confederate cause to the bitter end. On April 26, 1865, he was still under General Johnston's command when, near Greensboro, North Carolina, Johnston was finally forced to surrender the Army of Tennessee and all remaining Confederate forces still active in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. It was the largest surrender of the War, totaling 89,270 soldiers. This was two and a half weeks after General Robert E. Lee had surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.
John Thomas, like the majority of Confederate soldiers, was not a man of wealth or position. He was a poor dirt farmer and laborer on the railroad who fought for one reason - his home, his family, and his very life was illegally and brutally attacked by an invading foreign army. Following the War, John Thomas finally limped home, weary and worn in body and mind but still strong in faith. He found many of his family members dead and the survivors destitute. His home town of Big Shanty, at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain, had been wantonly burned to the ground by Union General William T. Sherman. Crops and food stores had been destroyed. Personal property of any value had been stolen. Both his local community and the once sovereign state of Georgia were occupied by northern invaders who, for many ears to come, enforced the bitter and punitive policies which they called "Reconstruction."
Posted by J. Stephen Conn at 11:44 PM
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Fighting with General Joseph E. Johnston to the Bitter End
This imposing monument to Confederate General Joseph E. Johnson Stands on one of the most prominent intersections in downtown Dalton, Georgia. The inscription reads:
JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON
1807 - 1891
Brigadier General U.S.A.
General C.S.A.
Given command of the Confederate
Forces in Dalton in
1863. He directed the 79 days
Campaign to Atlanta, one of the
Most memorable in the annals of war.
Erected by Bryan M. Thomas
Chapter United Daughters of
Confederacy, Dalton, Georgia, 1912
*****
I am very proud to say that one of my great uncles, John Thomas Conn, fought with General Johnston during that Atlanta Campaign. My great uncle was a native of Big Shanty, Georgia, later named Kennesaw. He was literally fighting to defended his family and home against invading Yankee aggressors. John Thomas, along with three of his brothers, volunteered for service in the Confederate army shortly after the outbreak of the War Between the States.
By the time John Thomas came under the command of General Johnston, all three of his brothers, including my Great, Great Grandfather, William Elisha Conn, had been killed. John Thomas himself had been captured at Perryville, Kentucky and spent time in two northern POW Camps, one in Indianapolis, Indiana and the other on Pea Patch Island in Delaware. After being exchanged and released from prison, he immediately rejoined the War in the just and noble quest for Southern Independence.
John Thomas was faithful to the Confederate cause to the bitter end. On April 26, 1865, he was still under General Johnston's command when, near Greensboro, North Carolina, Johnston was finally forced to surrender the Army of Tennessee and all remaining Confederate forces still active in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. It was the largest surrender of the War, totaling 89,270 soldiers. This was two and a half weeks after General Robert E. Lee had surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.
John Thomas, like the majority of Confederate soldiers, was not a man of wealth or position. He was a poor dirt farmer and laborer on the railroad who fought for one reason - his home, his family, and his very life was illegally and brutally attacked by an invading foreign army. Following the War, John Thomas finally limped home, weary and worn in body and mind but still strong in faith. He found many of his family members dead and the survivors destitute. His home town of Big Shanty, at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain, had been wantonly burned to the ground by Union General William T. Sherman. Crops and food stores had been destroyed. Personal property of any value had been stolen. Both his local community and the once sovereign state of Georgia were occupied by northern invaders who, for many ears to come, enforced the bitter and punitive policies which they called "Reconstruction."
Posted by J. Stephen Conn at 11:44 PM
Friday, October 29, 2010
On Understanding "A Sense Of Place"
From Old Virginia Blog:
2:23 PM (9 hours ago)On Understanding "A Sense Of Place"from Old Virginia Blog by Richard G. Williams, Jr.
"The south has produced the world's best literature. It dominates world culture. Southern culture is the most powerful and expressive in the world." ~ Timothy Tyson
William Faulkner's Typewriter
"The American South is a geographical entity, a historical fact, a place in the imagination, and the homeland of an array of Americans who consider themselves southerners. The region is often shrouded in romance and myth, but its realities are as intriguing, as intricate, as its legends." ~ The Encyclopedia of Southern Culture
"The South is cultivated in collards and covered in kudzu . . . Many of us are descended from Scottish settlers and African slaves--and we usually find that we have more in common with each other than with Northern urbanites." ~ Clint Johnson
In a recent post at Civil War Memory, Kevin Levin wrote about a question he was recently asked in a public forum. The question was in regards to where Kevin was born. He responded on his blog with this rather curious comment:
"The question is, of course, silly since it implies some kind of privilege or unique access to the past depending on birth."
Kevin's response presents a wonderful opportunity to briefly discuss how our place of birth and where we grew up - our "sense of place" - impacts our views on history and does, in fact, often give one "unique access to the past" - particularly when it comes to the WBTS.
First of all, no honest questions are silly - especially if it pertains to one's place of birth and is asked of someone whose field of work specializes in dissecting and psycho-analyzing a particular geographic region of the United States.
Secondly, no informed historian or writer could state, with a straight face, that one's place of birth, and the various cultural influences of the diverse regional areas of the United States, do not impact one's perspective and views on history - whether that impact is realized or not. Of course, this is true of not only the South, but practically any region of the world since all regions have their own unique and colorful history.
Thirdly, I'm not quite sure what Kevin has to gain by insulting someone for asking an honest and reasonable question - someone who took time out of their schedule to come hear Kevin participate in a public forum. That won't go very far to encourage attendance and sincere questions at these types of events in the future, that's for sure.
Since Kevin has mentioned this issue before, I get the distinct impression he's uncomfortable with the topic, perhaps revealing his own feelings (justified or not) of inadequacy due to his not being "Virginian, born and bred." (See, I can pyscho-analyze too.) Many moderns like to imagine a homogeneous America where our rich regional differences have been purged and we all march in bland (and boring) lockstep sameness of opinion, perspective, dialect, and views on history. While some of that has occurred due to mass marketing and other influences, the various regions of the United States still have distinct cultural differences which impact the way we view all sorts of topics, history being just one of them.
Being born in Dixie and raised with the knowledge that your ancestors sacrificed and fought bravely to defend their homes against overwhelming odds certainly has an impact on your perspective, your emotions and, yes, the way one intellectually approaches the study of the WBTS. I should know since I was born on a battlefield where two of my own Confederate ancestors fought. I also spent much of my childhood at my grandmother's home on that same battlefield, exploring the surrounding woods, fields, and streams where, just underfoot, lay mini-balls, shrapnel and yes, blood. Images of Lee, Jackson and the boys hung from parlor walls, books on the WBTS adorned our bookshelves, and the ghosts of the Confederacy seemed to always be present. This experience does indeed give me "unique access" to the past.
Does anyone really believe it is a coincidence that the definitive biographies of the Confederacy's two most recognized icons - Lee and Jackson - were written by proud Sons of the South and descendants of Confederate soldiers: Douglas Southall Freeman and James I. Robertson, Jr.?
Could anyone, other than a Southerner like Faulkner (who grew up breathing Southern air still - figuratively speaking - heavy with the smell of gunsmoke), have written these words:
For every Southern boy fourteen years old, not once but whenever he wants it, there is the instant when it's still not yet two o'clock on that July afternoon in 1863, the brigades are in position behind the rail fence, the guns are laid and ready in the woods and the furled flags are already loosened to break out and Pickett himself with his long oiled ringlets and his hat in one hand probably and his sword in the other looking up the hill waiting for Longstreet to give the word and it's all in the balance, it hasn't happened yet, it hasn't even begun yet, it not only hasn't begun yet but there is still time for it not to begin against that position and those circumstances which made more men than Garnett and Kemper and Armistead and Wilcox look grave yet it's going to begin, we all know that, we have come too far with too much at stake and that moment doesn't need even a fourteen-year-old boy to think This time. Maybe this time with all this much to lose than all this much to gain: Pennsylvania, Maryland, the world, the golden dome of Washington itself to crown with desperate and unbelievable victory the desperate gamble, the cast made two years ago. ~ William Faulkner, Intruder in the Dust
Some historians have openly admitted their regret for not having Faulkner's connection to the South and the Civil War:
Moreover, not a single ancestor fought in the war, a fact I lamented as a boy reading books by Bruce Catton and Douglas Southall Freeman and wanting desperately to have some direct connection to the events that fascinated me. ~ Gary Gallagher
Both Faulkner and Gallagher refer to this passion being associated with youth, but don't fool yourself into thinking that much of that feeling does not linger into adulthood - it often grows even stronger. And these feelings also often lead to a lifelong passion regarding history and one's life work, as evidenced in the following line about legendary relic hunter and historian, Tom Dickey:
"And, this was not just any war fought in a far away land. It was a war that took place on the soil where he was born and grew up, and therein lay his fascination with the Civil War and its artillery."
Freeman would never have written his monumental biography of Lee were it not for his youthful fascination with the Confederacy and his ancestral ties:
Douglas Freeman had acquired a lifelong devotion to Confederate history from tales told by his father, one of General Lee's soldiers. He was taken to see the first 'Civil War Re-enactment', one performed by the actual veterans and it was then that he vowed to write the history of Lee's fabled Army of Northern Virginia. As well as the two massive biographies, Dr Freeman (he was part of the first generation of historians to earn a Ph.D.) wrote several other works of Southern history and historiography. ~ Richard Mullen: America's Greatest Biographer: Douglas Southall Freeman
And David Johnson, in his excellent biography of Freeman, further points to the fact that Freeman's place of birth, and all that went with it, continued to influence Freeman's writings until the day he died:
Having written and read millions of words, Douglas Freeman chose to be remembered with words from Tennyson's Ulysses: I am part of all that I have met.
The influences that shaped his life never left him. Always there was Walker Freeman - wounded veteran, struggling clerk, successful businessman, keeper of the faith; always there was the city of Richmond - its traditions, its heritage, its tragedies, its future . . . always there was Lee - the supreme example of service and sacrifice.
Now, all of this is not to say that those from outside the South can't write good histories of the region or offer insight on the Confederacy and the WBTS. Outside observers very often do see things that natives miss. That is a perspective (whether one admits it or not), as is one which comes from a homegrown Southerner. So, yes, it is important to know of an author's or historian's place of birth, where he grew up, and whether or not he understands what many have referred to as "a sense of place" so one may evaluate bias and perspective. That is certainly a legitimate inquiry. Why would anyone think otherwise?
In reading Kevin's blog, and others like it, it seems many writers and historians have difficulty getting their mind around the concept of "a sense of place." Wikipedia offers some good insight on this concept:
Cultural geographers, anthropologists, sociologists and urban planners study why certain places hold special meaning to particular people or peoples. Places said to have a strong "sense of place" have a strong identity and character that is deeply felt by local inhabitants and by many visitors. Sense of place is a social phenomenon that exists independently of any one individual's perceptions or experiences, yet is dependent on human engagement for its existence. Such a feeling may be derived from the natural environment, but is more often made up of a mix of natural and cultural features in the landscape, and generally includes the people who occupy the place. The sense of place may be strongly enhanced by the place being written about by poets, novelists and historians, or portrayed in art or music, and more recently, through modes of codification aimed at protecting, preserving and enhancing places felt to be of value . .
In order to have even the most fundamental understanding of Southern history and memory, one must understand this concept referred to as "a sense of place." This is especially true of the South and her various (and often complicated) perspectives on the WBTS . One's place of birth does, very often, provide a "unique access" and perspective to the study of history - especially the WBTS. And it can also be "privileged." I consider mine both.
http://oldvirginiablog.blogspot.com
2:23 PM (9 hours ago)On Understanding "A Sense Of Place"from Old Virginia Blog by Richard G. Williams, Jr.
"The south has produced the world's best literature. It dominates world culture. Southern culture is the most powerful and expressive in the world." ~ Timothy Tyson
William Faulkner's Typewriter
"The American South is a geographical entity, a historical fact, a place in the imagination, and the homeland of an array of Americans who consider themselves southerners. The region is often shrouded in romance and myth, but its realities are as intriguing, as intricate, as its legends." ~ The Encyclopedia of Southern Culture
"The South is cultivated in collards and covered in kudzu . . . Many of us are descended from Scottish settlers and African slaves--and we usually find that we have more in common with each other than with Northern urbanites." ~ Clint Johnson
In a recent post at Civil War Memory, Kevin Levin wrote about a question he was recently asked in a public forum. The question was in regards to where Kevin was born. He responded on his blog with this rather curious comment:
"The question is, of course, silly since it implies some kind of privilege or unique access to the past depending on birth."
Kevin's response presents a wonderful opportunity to briefly discuss how our place of birth and where we grew up - our "sense of place" - impacts our views on history and does, in fact, often give one "unique access to the past" - particularly when it comes to the WBTS.
First of all, no honest questions are silly - especially if it pertains to one's place of birth and is asked of someone whose field of work specializes in dissecting and psycho-analyzing a particular geographic region of the United States.
Secondly, no informed historian or writer could state, with a straight face, that one's place of birth, and the various cultural influences of the diverse regional areas of the United States, do not impact one's perspective and views on history - whether that impact is realized or not. Of course, this is true of not only the South, but practically any region of the world since all regions have their own unique and colorful history.
Thirdly, I'm not quite sure what Kevin has to gain by insulting someone for asking an honest and reasonable question - someone who took time out of their schedule to come hear Kevin participate in a public forum. That won't go very far to encourage attendance and sincere questions at these types of events in the future, that's for sure.
Since Kevin has mentioned this issue before, I get the distinct impression he's uncomfortable with the topic, perhaps revealing his own feelings (justified or not) of inadequacy due to his not being "Virginian, born and bred." (See, I can pyscho-analyze too.) Many moderns like to imagine a homogeneous America where our rich regional differences have been purged and we all march in bland (and boring) lockstep sameness of opinion, perspective, dialect, and views on history. While some of that has occurred due to mass marketing and other influences, the various regions of the United States still have distinct cultural differences which impact the way we view all sorts of topics, history being just one of them.
Being born in Dixie and raised with the knowledge that your ancestors sacrificed and fought bravely to defend their homes against overwhelming odds certainly has an impact on your perspective, your emotions and, yes, the way one intellectually approaches the study of the WBTS. I should know since I was born on a battlefield where two of my own Confederate ancestors fought. I also spent much of my childhood at my grandmother's home on that same battlefield, exploring the surrounding woods, fields, and streams where, just underfoot, lay mini-balls, shrapnel and yes, blood. Images of Lee, Jackson and the boys hung from parlor walls, books on the WBTS adorned our bookshelves, and the ghosts of the Confederacy seemed to always be present. This experience does indeed give me "unique access" to the past.
Does anyone really believe it is a coincidence that the definitive biographies of the Confederacy's two most recognized icons - Lee and Jackson - were written by proud Sons of the South and descendants of Confederate soldiers: Douglas Southall Freeman and James I. Robertson, Jr.?
Could anyone, other than a Southerner like Faulkner (who grew up breathing Southern air still - figuratively speaking - heavy with the smell of gunsmoke), have written these words:
For every Southern boy fourteen years old, not once but whenever he wants it, there is the instant when it's still not yet two o'clock on that July afternoon in 1863, the brigades are in position behind the rail fence, the guns are laid and ready in the woods and the furled flags are already loosened to break out and Pickett himself with his long oiled ringlets and his hat in one hand probably and his sword in the other looking up the hill waiting for Longstreet to give the word and it's all in the balance, it hasn't happened yet, it hasn't even begun yet, it not only hasn't begun yet but there is still time for it not to begin against that position and those circumstances which made more men than Garnett and Kemper and Armistead and Wilcox look grave yet it's going to begin, we all know that, we have come too far with too much at stake and that moment doesn't need even a fourteen-year-old boy to think This time. Maybe this time with all this much to lose than all this much to gain: Pennsylvania, Maryland, the world, the golden dome of Washington itself to crown with desperate and unbelievable victory the desperate gamble, the cast made two years ago. ~ William Faulkner, Intruder in the Dust
Some historians have openly admitted their regret for not having Faulkner's connection to the South and the Civil War:
Moreover, not a single ancestor fought in the war, a fact I lamented as a boy reading books by Bruce Catton and Douglas Southall Freeman and wanting desperately to have some direct connection to the events that fascinated me. ~ Gary Gallagher
Both Faulkner and Gallagher refer to this passion being associated with youth, but don't fool yourself into thinking that much of that feeling does not linger into adulthood - it often grows even stronger. And these feelings also often lead to a lifelong passion regarding history and one's life work, as evidenced in the following line about legendary relic hunter and historian, Tom Dickey:
"And, this was not just any war fought in a far away land. It was a war that took place on the soil where he was born and grew up, and therein lay his fascination with the Civil War and its artillery."
Freeman would never have written his monumental biography of Lee were it not for his youthful fascination with the Confederacy and his ancestral ties:
Douglas Freeman had acquired a lifelong devotion to Confederate history from tales told by his father, one of General Lee's soldiers. He was taken to see the first 'Civil War Re-enactment', one performed by the actual veterans and it was then that he vowed to write the history of Lee's fabled Army of Northern Virginia. As well as the two massive biographies, Dr Freeman (he was part of the first generation of historians to earn a Ph.D.) wrote several other works of Southern history and historiography. ~ Richard Mullen: America's Greatest Biographer: Douglas Southall Freeman
And David Johnson, in his excellent biography of Freeman, further points to the fact that Freeman's place of birth, and all that went with it, continued to influence Freeman's writings until the day he died:
Having written and read millions of words, Douglas Freeman chose to be remembered with words from Tennyson's Ulysses: I am part of all that I have met.
The influences that shaped his life never left him. Always there was Walker Freeman - wounded veteran, struggling clerk, successful businessman, keeper of the faith; always there was the city of Richmond - its traditions, its heritage, its tragedies, its future . . . always there was Lee - the supreme example of service and sacrifice.
Now, all of this is not to say that those from outside the South can't write good histories of the region or offer insight on the Confederacy and the WBTS. Outside observers very often do see things that natives miss. That is a perspective (whether one admits it or not), as is one which comes from a homegrown Southerner. So, yes, it is important to know of an author's or historian's place of birth, where he grew up, and whether or not he understands what many have referred to as "a sense of place" so one may evaluate bias and perspective. That is certainly a legitimate inquiry. Why would anyone think otherwise?
In reading Kevin's blog, and others like it, it seems many writers and historians have difficulty getting their mind around the concept of "a sense of place." Wikipedia offers some good insight on this concept:
Cultural geographers, anthropologists, sociologists and urban planners study why certain places hold special meaning to particular people or peoples. Places said to have a strong "sense of place" have a strong identity and character that is deeply felt by local inhabitants and by many visitors. Sense of place is a social phenomenon that exists independently of any one individual's perceptions or experiences, yet is dependent on human engagement for its existence. Such a feeling may be derived from the natural environment, but is more often made up of a mix of natural and cultural features in the landscape, and generally includes the people who occupy the place. The sense of place may be strongly enhanced by the place being written about by poets, novelists and historians, or portrayed in art or music, and more recently, through modes of codification aimed at protecting, preserving and enhancing places felt to be of value . .
In order to have even the most fundamental understanding of Southern history and memory, one must understand this concept referred to as "a sense of place." This is especially true of the South and her various (and often complicated) perspectives on the WBTS . One's place of birth does, very often, provide a "unique access" and perspective to the study of history - especially the WBTS. And it can also be "privileged." I consider mine both.
http://oldvirginiablog.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 28, 2010
An Inconvenient Truth: The Case For Texas Secession
From The Ohio Republic:
Thursday, October 28, 2010A darned inconvenient truth
Daniel Miller of the Texas Nationalist Movement lays out the case for secession about as plainly as it can be laid out. After cataloguing the excesses of the federal government, he writes this:
So What Is It Going To Take?
The Founders of Texas declared independence from Mexico for far less and sacrificed way more. The Founders of the United States declared independence for far less and sacrificed way more. The people of France took to the streets for far less and sacrificed way more.
It is time for you to make a decision. Either you want to: “A” live like this or you want something better. Either you or perfectly fine with the ride the federal government is taking you or you want to be rid of it. Either you want to exist in bondage or you want to “B” live free and independent. There is no "Option C". There is no compromise option. There is no middle ground. There is only slavery and tyranny or freedom and liberty.
If you fail to choose, you have chosen. We either create history or it will be created for us.
Years from now, you will have the opportunity to explain this period in our history to the generations yet to come. When they ask you what you did when Texas became a Republic again, are you going to tell them that you couldn't take off of work? Are you going to tell them that you missed out because the Cowboys game was on? Are you going to tell them that a pizza or a case of beer was more important?
If you ignore this call to join with the Texas Nationalist Movement, then never, ever complain about the federal government again. Never complain about Obama, Pelosi, Reid or any of their successors. Never complain about taxes, inflation, unemployment or immigration. When the banks run out of money, don't complain. When your job goes to an illegal alien, don't complain. When your money becomes worthless, don't complain. When the price of food goes sky high, don't complain.
And whatever you do, never insult the French. They at least did something that you were unwilling to do for far less.
However, if you are ready to join with me and other Texans who are ready to give everything and sacrifice all to live for a cause, then I welcome you and embrace you as my countrymen.
Respectfully submitted to the Citizens of Texas this 26th day of October 2010.
Daniel Miller, President
Texas Nationalist Movement
Liberty-minded Ohioans are hoping for election results next Tuesday that will strengthen our voice in the General Assembly and the Congress. I voted, and I hope we are right. But if we're not, then what?
I have advocated taking the nullification route first; but we must start preparing for the step after that. As a certain Columbus-based insurance company would say, "Life comes at you fast." Like it or not, ready or not, the revolution will soon be upon us. What we do in the next few months will determine whether or not we deserve to live in a free society.
Posted by Harold Thomas
Labels: Secessionism, Texas
Thursday, October 28, 2010A darned inconvenient truth
Daniel Miller of the Texas Nationalist Movement lays out the case for secession about as plainly as it can be laid out. After cataloguing the excesses of the federal government, he writes this:
So What Is It Going To Take?
The Founders of Texas declared independence from Mexico for far less and sacrificed way more. The Founders of the United States declared independence for far less and sacrificed way more. The people of France took to the streets for far less and sacrificed way more.
It is time for you to make a decision. Either you want to: “A” live like this or you want something better. Either you or perfectly fine with the ride the federal government is taking you or you want to be rid of it. Either you want to exist in bondage or you want to “B” live free and independent. There is no "Option C". There is no compromise option. There is no middle ground. There is only slavery and tyranny or freedom and liberty.
If you fail to choose, you have chosen. We either create history or it will be created for us.
Years from now, you will have the opportunity to explain this period in our history to the generations yet to come. When they ask you what you did when Texas became a Republic again, are you going to tell them that you couldn't take off of work? Are you going to tell them that you missed out because the Cowboys game was on? Are you going to tell them that a pizza or a case of beer was more important?
If you ignore this call to join with the Texas Nationalist Movement, then never, ever complain about the federal government again. Never complain about Obama, Pelosi, Reid or any of their successors. Never complain about taxes, inflation, unemployment or immigration. When the banks run out of money, don't complain. When your job goes to an illegal alien, don't complain. When your money becomes worthless, don't complain. When the price of food goes sky high, don't complain.
And whatever you do, never insult the French. They at least did something that you were unwilling to do for far less.
However, if you are ready to join with me and other Texans who are ready to give everything and sacrifice all to live for a cause, then I welcome you and embrace you as my countrymen.
Respectfully submitted to the Citizens of Texas this 26th day of October 2010.
Daniel Miller, President
Texas Nationalist Movement
Liberty-minded Ohioans are hoping for election results next Tuesday that will strengthen our voice in the General Assembly and the Congress. I voted, and I hope we are right. But if we're not, then what?
I have advocated taking the nullification route first; but we must start preparing for the step after that. As a certain Columbus-based insurance company would say, "Life comes at you fast." Like it or not, ready or not, the revolution will soon be upon us. What we do in the next few months will determine whether or not we deserve to live in a free society.
Posted by Harold Thomas
Labels: Secessionism, Texas
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Comments
This is a reader, basically an online notebook of things that catch my interest. I welcome comments, discussion and responses to the articles, etc. that I post. I try to post different points of view, especially when they shed more light on the subject. I do not necessarily agree with everything I post, but I do feel that the differing opinions still offer valuable perspectives on the subjects. I hope that comments will shed further vvaluable light on the subjects, although affirmations or disagreements are valued as well. I try to be open-minded. Comments that are thoughtful, on subject, and pertinent will be approved. Comments that are abusive, contain profanity, or ranting that has no coherence will not be approved.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Washington: An Organized Criminal Enterprise
From League of the South:
Washington - An Organized Criminal Enterprise
23 October 2010
In the wake of the League’s 17th annual national conference, we believe it is time to restate the obvious for those who still don’t “get it” yet: the US government in DC is an organized criminal enterprise. Despite being founded on the “principle” of limited government, it has its tentacles in virtually every aspect of our lives all over our beloved Southland. It has become Godless and is rapidly approaching bankruptcy. Something must be done quickly to free us from this monster.
Don’t tell us to wait until the November elections—the GOP is not our savior. Rather, it is only the other side of a counterfeit coin. After all, who started this corrupt bailout business in September 2008 in the first place? Obama was merely a candidate at the time, though he has certainly continued to advance the Bush policies of allowing the banksters to continue their crime spree unabated.
The "Tea Party", while showing some promise in the beginning, is now being predictably absorbed by status quo Republican politicians. These are people who think reducing government spending by a meager 1-3% is acceptable, but they aren’t even serious about accomplishing that much. It is all a ruse to get re-elected, and unfortunately the bulk of “conservative” America will fall for it yet again.
The Republican Party’s “Pledge to America” is another fraud that is carefully written not to set measurable goals or bind the Republicans to any sort of consequences if (or more accurately, when) they fail to fulfill their promises. A major GOP victory in November will be a devastating setback because conservative voters will think they have “won.” Consequently, they will continue to serve the Federal regime while they wait in vain for their anointed Republicans to bring some kind of meaningful reform to Washington, D.C. Even if today’s Republicans were to faithfully deliver on every single principle mentioned in their “pledge," it would only be a fraction of what needs to done. It would take many decades of sweeping electoral victories in both houses of Congress and the presidency to undo the monstrosity that has been created over a period of 150 years in D.C. Oh, and let’s not forget that all of this will also require the blessing of the US Supreme Court. These are events, of course, that will never occur in the current political system.
Finally, the mainstream Republican Party has no interest whatsoever in curbing the insatiable appetite of the United States government to occupy and control other nations. Irrational fear of the Islamic terror threat has prompted far too many Americans to endorse a perpetual military occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, with the prospect of war with Iran and possibly Pakistan on the horizon as well. The magnitude of resources consumed by the war machine that is the US military will continue to drag down our economy; yet among all the outrage within the Tea Party and its supporters about government spending, we hear very little about reducing the US military presence in foreign lands.
We at the League of the South believe all peoples are entitled to the right of self-determination even those who do not share our Southern cultural values. The people of Iraq and Afghanistan should be free to decide for themselves what government they will have, just as the people in Dixie have the same God-given right. This is why we advocate peaceful separation from the United States government. In a free and independent South, although we would pity other Americans who remained subjects of the United States government, we would not set out to make enemies of them.
If we don’t begin thinking and acting “outside the box,” the establishment elite will continue to loot us with impunity and violate our rights at every turn. Indeed, their greed (with the assistance of our inaction and even complicity) has essentially destroyed our economy. Instead of trying once again to reform that which cannot be reformed (those who most need reforming control all meaningful avenues of reform), we need simply to leave DC behind. There is even less reason to “save the Union” today than there was 150 years ago when our ancestors fought to be free from it.
Yes, we’re talking about Southern independence NOW! The sooner we get off this sinking ship, the better. The policies conducted by the ruling elite in Washington, D.C. can only end in utter collapse, chaos, and extreme hardship on our future generations. Independence achieved now, although sure to be challenging and not without sacrifices, is infinitely preferable to the chaos that will ensue as the US inevitably self-destructs. We are confident that another bid for Southern independence in our own day will be more widely supported by other nations than it was in 1861. This international support will make it much more difficult for the United States to use military force to thwart our independence. The League of the South does not seek to exact revenge on the United States government in any way, and we seek independence that is free of bloodshed. Just like President Jefferson Davis said in 1861, “All we ask is to be let alone”.
If Southern independence sounds like a good idea to you, then help us. You can start by going to our website, and signing the online petition entitled “States Rights, Secession, and Big Government.” Leave your address so we can contact you. Also, we are preparing another petition that will be presented to the people of the Southern States face-to-face. It calls for immediate secession and independence by our various State governments. We will have it available soon, and it will be announced (and probably downloadable) on the website. We will need your help in acquiring signatures.
Moreover, we need you to join the League of the South. If you’re reading this and are not already a member, please join today. If you were once a member but let your membership slide, please re-join. If you are a member in good standing, then recruit your family and friends into our organization. We need numbers along with hardworking hands and minds.
We also need people who are not afraid to hear the truth and to proclaim it; that Southern independence is the only way short of a direct miracle from the Lord that we can save the South for future generations. I want my children and grandchildren to live free and prosperous in a free South. I’ll bet you feel the same way about yours. Let’s make it happen together right now! Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.
Washington - An Organized Criminal Enterprise
23 October 2010
In the wake of the League’s 17th annual national conference, we believe it is time to restate the obvious for those who still don’t “get it” yet: the US government in DC is an organized criminal enterprise. Despite being founded on the “principle” of limited government, it has its tentacles in virtually every aspect of our lives all over our beloved Southland. It has become Godless and is rapidly approaching bankruptcy. Something must be done quickly to free us from this monster.
Don’t tell us to wait until the November elections—the GOP is not our savior. Rather, it is only the other side of a counterfeit coin. After all, who started this corrupt bailout business in September 2008 in the first place? Obama was merely a candidate at the time, though he has certainly continued to advance the Bush policies of allowing the banksters to continue their crime spree unabated.
The "Tea Party", while showing some promise in the beginning, is now being predictably absorbed by status quo Republican politicians. These are people who think reducing government spending by a meager 1-3% is acceptable, but they aren’t even serious about accomplishing that much. It is all a ruse to get re-elected, and unfortunately the bulk of “conservative” America will fall for it yet again.
The Republican Party’s “Pledge to America” is another fraud that is carefully written not to set measurable goals or bind the Republicans to any sort of consequences if (or more accurately, when) they fail to fulfill their promises. A major GOP victory in November will be a devastating setback because conservative voters will think they have “won.” Consequently, they will continue to serve the Federal regime while they wait in vain for their anointed Republicans to bring some kind of meaningful reform to Washington, D.C. Even if today’s Republicans were to faithfully deliver on every single principle mentioned in their “pledge," it would only be a fraction of what needs to done. It would take many decades of sweeping electoral victories in both houses of Congress and the presidency to undo the monstrosity that has been created over a period of 150 years in D.C. Oh, and let’s not forget that all of this will also require the blessing of the US Supreme Court. These are events, of course, that will never occur in the current political system.
Finally, the mainstream Republican Party has no interest whatsoever in curbing the insatiable appetite of the United States government to occupy and control other nations. Irrational fear of the Islamic terror threat has prompted far too many Americans to endorse a perpetual military occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, with the prospect of war with Iran and possibly Pakistan on the horizon as well. The magnitude of resources consumed by the war machine that is the US military will continue to drag down our economy; yet among all the outrage within the Tea Party and its supporters about government spending, we hear very little about reducing the US military presence in foreign lands.
We at the League of the South believe all peoples are entitled to the right of self-determination even those who do not share our Southern cultural values. The people of Iraq and Afghanistan should be free to decide for themselves what government they will have, just as the people in Dixie have the same God-given right. This is why we advocate peaceful separation from the United States government. In a free and independent South, although we would pity other Americans who remained subjects of the United States government, we would not set out to make enemies of them.
If we don’t begin thinking and acting “outside the box,” the establishment elite will continue to loot us with impunity and violate our rights at every turn. Indeed, their greed (with the assistance of our inaction and even complicity) has essentially destroyed our economy. Instead of trying once again to reform that which cannot be reformed (those who most need reforming control all meaningful avenues of reform), we need simply to leave DC behind. There is even less reason to “save the Union” today than there was 150 years ago when our ancestors fought to be free from it.
Yes, we’re talking about Southern independence NOW! The sooner we get off this sinking ship, the better. The policies conducted by the ruling elite in Washington, D.C. can only end in utter collapse, chaos, and extreme hardship on our future generations. Independence achieved now, although sure to be challenging and not without sacrifices, is infinitely preferable to the chaos that will ensue as the US inevitably self-destructs. We are confident that another bid for Southern independence in our own day will be more widely supported by other nations than it was in 1861. This international support will make it much more difficult for the United States to use military force to thwart our independence. The League of the South does not seek to exact revenge on the United States government in any way, and we seek independence that is free of bloodshed. Just like President Jefferson Davis said in 1861, “All we ask is to be let alone”.
If Southern independence sounds like a good idea to you, then help us. You can start by going to our website, and signing the online petition entitled “States Rights, Secession, and Big Government.” Leave your address so we can contact you. Also, we are preparing another petition that will be presented to the people of the Southern States face-to-face. It calls for immediate secession and independence by our various State governments. We will have it available soon, and it will be announced (and probably downloadable) on the website. We will need your help in acquiring signatures.
Moreover, we need you to join the League of the South. If you’re reading this and are not already a member, please join today. If you were once a member but let your membership slide, please re-join. If you are a member in good standing, then recruit your family and friends into our organization. We need numbers along with hardworking hands and minds.
We also need people who are not afraid to hear the truth and to proclaim it; that Southern independence is the only way short of a direct miracle from the Lord that we can save the South for future generations. I want my children and grandchildren to live free and prosperous in a free South. I’ll bet you feel the same way about yours. Let’s make it happen together right now! Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Army Of The Trans-Mississippi Sunday Message
From arkansasscv.org:
ATM Sunday Message
October 22, 2010
Web Master
True or False
We have all seen tests where a statement is made and we are then asked to decide if the statement is true or false. The answers are usually given at the bottom of the page (upside down) or on another page in the book or magazine. Sometimes we find that our answer is wrong and we must change what we thought about a particular subject. However, we know there are those who refuse to be influenced by what is actually true or false. They will continue to believe what they want to believe, what they have been told to believe, or what suits their interests to believe, without regard for the facts.
Webster’s Dictionary defines a fact as, “Something known to be true.” It seems to me that if something is known to be true, there would be no debate or disagreement about it’s validity. And yet, there is. In John 8:46, Jesus asks, “And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” One reason is pure ignorance. They simply don’t know the truth and don’t care to know the truth, but will still argue as if they know all about it. Another reason many ignore the truth is they would rather defend their opinion than change their mind, even if the facts prove them wrong. Why is that?
Jesus gave this answer in John 3:19, “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” Think of the many so called “controversial issues” being debated today. There’s gun control, abortion, homosexual activity along with same sex marriage, excessive taxes, bail outs, illegal immigration and more. The facts about each of these issues is obvious and the answers are simple. And most, if not all of us know what is true or false about these matters.
There are facts concerning our Confederate ancestors and Southern heritage. As members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, we have studied and know what is true or false. As the Scripture says, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables.” (2 Pet. 1:16) That is, the fables concocted by the Unionists to justify their invasion of the sovereign Confederate States, and all the horrors inflicted on Southern men, women and children in a war that was as unnecessary as it was illegal.
It is also true that the Union of Confederate Veterans, followed by the Sons of Confederate Veterans were once highly respected organizations, especially in the South. Our membership included the most influential men of society, as well as officials in all levels of government. But the federalists have done their job well. I won’t talk about where we are today. You know where we are as a Confederation as well, if not better, than I do.
The only answer for the Sons of Confederate Veterans is to put our faith and trust in Almighty God, and follow Him as He leads us to success in our just and most worthy Cause. If we are to accomplish our mission to save our Southern heritage and the respect due our brave and honorable Confederate forefathers, we must have the guidance and blessings of God. And, the correct answer to that statement is, True.
Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
ATM Sunday Message
October 22, 2010
Web Master
True or False
We have all seen tests where a statement is made and we are then asked to decide if the statement is true or false. The answers are usually given at the bottom of the page (upside down) or on another page in the book or magazine. Sometimes we find that our answer is wrong and we must change what we thought about a particular subject. However, we know there are those who refuse to be influenced by what is actually true or false. They will continue to believe what they want to believe, what they have been told to believe, or what suits their interests to believe, without regard for the facts.
Webster’s Dictionary defines a fact as, “Something known to be true.” It seems to me that if something is known to be true, there would be no debate or disagreement about it’s validity. And yet, there is. In John 8:46, Jesus asks, “And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” One reason is pure ignorance. They simply don’t know the truth and don’t care to know the truth, but will still argue as if they know all about it. Another reason many ignore the truth is they would rather defend their opinion than change their mind, even if the facts prove them wrong. Why is that?
Jesus gave this answer in John 3:19, “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” Think of the many so called “controversial issues” being debated today. There’s gun control, abortion, homosexual activity along with same sex marriage, excessive taxes, bail outs, illegal immigration and more. The facts about each of these issues is obvious and the answers are simple. And most, if not all of us know what is true or false about these matters.
There are facts concerning our Confederate ancestors and Southern heritage. As members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, we have studied and know what is true or false. As the Scripture says, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables.” (2 Pet. 1:16) That is, the fables concocted by the Unionists to justify their invasion of the sovereign Confederate States, and all the horrors inflicted on Southern men, women and children in a war that was as unnecessary as it was illegal.
It is also true that the Union of Confederate Veterans, followed by the Sons of Confederate Veterans were once highly respected organizations, especially in the South. Our membership included the most influential men of society, as well as officials in all levels of government. But the federalists have done their job well. I won’t talk about where we are today. You know where we are as a Confederation as well, if not better, than I do.
The only answer for the Sons of Confederate Veterans is to put our faith and trust in Almighty God, and follow Him as He leads us to success in our just and most worthy Cause. If we are to accomplish our mission to save our Southern heritage and the respect due our brave and honorable Confederate forefathers, we must have the guidance and blessings of God. And, the correct answer to that statement is, True.
Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Just My Opinion
from Rebel With A Clue:
5:10 PM (5 hours ago)Just My Opinionfrom Rebel With A Clue by JimmyThose People keep throwing Racism and Slavery in our faces when we dare to display a Confederate Battle Flag in honor our forefathers and Southern Heritage. We display the Battle Flag or any of the other Confederate Flags with pride and teach our children the Truth as we have been taught regardless of what the “Good Ole Government Schools” choose to teach, and then we are suddenly labeled Racist.
The biggest problem we have here is “those people” are judging our Confederate ancestors on today's values. Slavery was a common practice in their time and they should be judged on how they treated each other and their slaves, for the ones that actually owned slaves, instead of condemning them as if they were living in today’s time. I also believe that God is the only one that should be judging anyone.
In my family the majority never owned slaves, the majority were just poor dirt farmers in the foothills of upstate South Carolina. The few that did own slaves from what I have learned took good care of them, a lot of these slaves took the family name and were buried in the family cemetery when they passed. These slaves did work hard as did most people in that time, when the War broke out a lot of these men chose to go fight for the Confederacy. Black, White, Hispanic, Indian, or whatever race, the Confederacy was made up of all, without being forced these people came together to fight for their rights and way of life against the outsiders who were denying them the right to secede from a Government they could not agree with.
Slavery was not an issue to the South, it seems to me it was made an issue by Lincoln when he realized that the South could actually win the War for Southern Independence. Lincoln and Grant were more interested in keeping slavery than anyone in the entire South.
If our Southern ancestors are going to be judged they should be judged on the time frame in which they lived. Our ancestors are getting a bad rap when they are judged on present day values. I do not agree with slavery or racism and from what I have learned I am proud of the way my family treated each other and also the way the few slaves were brought in and given a chance to raise their families in a situation where they didn't have to wonder where their next meal was coming from. These men did have to work hard for ends to meet, and that situation is not limited to only one race, all of us have had to struggle and over the years we seem to make it easier for the next generation no matter what color we are.
Most of us could not survive if we were put back into that time frame. The ones condemning the actions of our noble forefathers whether true or not on present day values, I know would have a whole new outlook on life if they were faced with the hardships of that time. Don’t get me wrong I do not agree with Racism, Hate, or Slavery, and I also do not agree on condemning someone for how they handled life 150 years ago against today’s standards. The ones who did choose to take advantage of and mistreat others have already been judged by The Good Lord and that is not up to us.
Deo Vindice
And more:
We are once again or should I say still in the middle of yet another battle defending our Noble Forefathers and or justifying the reasons of the War for Southern Independence aka Civil War. We are again debating amongst ourselves if secession is legal or if it is now a proper time to secede and the question of were our Forefathers right to do it when they did. All of this is so frustrating and it’s easier to walk away and avoid the fight rather than stand up and hear the usual lies once again.
I myself made the statement in my forum “Never argue with an idiot” I still believe this but there is more to the statement than it seems. Never back down when our Southern Heritage and Confederate Forefathers are being disgraced. Stand up as you always have and defend them with facts in the Polite Southern manner you were blessed with. Answer “those people” in a normal voice when they shout lies toward you at the top of their lungs and give them a few more facts to think about. Never lower yourself to their level because believe it or not people actually take in what is being said in a normal polite voice more so than statements that are being shouted. “The louder you talk the less I hear” After you have given all of your facts to discredit the lies being spread usually the person has silenced themselves and disappeared. If they are still shouting their lies at this point is when you realize you are talking with an idiot and it is time to move on. You have given answers to the contrary against all of their lies and they are still shouting. Your words were actually heard by people around and they are now wondering why they were listening to this idiot that is yelling. Your time will now be better used talking with someone else about our Southern Heritage than wasting your time on the one screaming.
Stand up for yourself and our Confederate Forefathers. The uneducated outbursts we all have heard are coming from people who need educated and we can’t force them to get that History lesson that will prove them wrong. Give them the opportunity to hear the Truth but if it is gong to be a screaming match “Never argue with an idiot”. Use your time and talents where they will be seen and heard. Don’t let the idiots bring us down to their level and make us look like something we are not. Too many of our Nobel Forefathers stood up for the cause of the Confederacy for it to have been wrong, Make them proud of us today by standing up for them and defend them with the honest and polite Confederate minded traits they passed down to you. As a good friend pointed out to me “Stand proud and be heard. Our ancestors are still watching”
Look back at some of these blogs, forums, or feedback posts to press and TV, and you will see there are actually more people on the side of the Truth as we were taught than there are idiots trying to disgrace our Southern Heritage. We are blessed to have a larger number of people standing up for our Confederate Forefathers than we realize. I feel blessed to be included with all of you and Thank you all for your efforts.
Add starLikeShareShare with noteEmailKeep unreadAdd tags5:10 PM (5 hours ago)Southern Heritage - Fighting Terrorism since 1861from Rebel With A Clue by JimmyIn 1861 we were invaded by and forced to fight terrorists from a country we had seceded from and contrary to popular belief the Constitution says we had a right to do so. After standing up for our Families and beliefs a large number of our Forefathers fought for and died under the Confederate Battle Flag in an attempt to defend our homeland. After being forced back into that country we have had to defend our honor against the very ones that forced us back. Now we stand next to the ones making fun of us and proudly defend and die for this country against foreign terrorists, we stand side by side with the ones who again make fun of our Heritage and throw remarks in our face like "You lost the war---Get over it" and they just seem to expect us to back down and accept their version no matter what we were taught. Terrorism we need to fight against foreign or domestic, we have to protect our homeland and families against outside forces that go against what we believe in, but a lot of time terrorism is being forced down our throats by people we are supposed to respect and trust. When someone is teaching our children untrue facts and trying to make their every thought Politically Correct in an attempt to not offend anyone and at the same time please everyone, this is just not realistic. The Truth is not politically correct and teaching our children political correctness is the same as spoon feeding them lies. I feel this terror is one we are not noticing and that really scares me.
I think we need to defend our country as long as we are a part of it, I don’t think we have to bow down to the PC crowd and accept the version of the History they are teaching our children at school, we need to honor our Ancestors and teach the Truth that was passed down to us, too many of our Noble Forefathers stood up for the cause for it to have been unjust. I don't always agree with our politicians and really believe they are a big part of the problem and less likely to be a part of the solution.
The terrorism that is trying to erase our Heritage started in 1861 and that Battle was lost but the War is only over when we give up and allow those politicians, PC'rs, and hate groups to erase our Southern Heritage and History. The cause our Confederate Ancestors stood up for will only seem unjust when we allow “those people” to overtake our thoughts and fall into the lies they are spreading to make the terror thrown onto our people look like it was the right thing to do. We have to stay the course in spite of what they throw at us. A good friend said “The amount of hate toward anyone and anything Confederate is often discouraging. It's like trying to hold back the tide with a bucket, and there are so few of us out there with buckets.” I know the ones of us with buckets will never give up and the terror I expect to see will be in the eyes of “those people” when they see what can be done with a few buckets of truth.
Deo Vindice
5:10 PM (5 hours ago)Just My Opinionfrom Rebel With A Clue by JimmyThose People keep throwing Racism and Slavery in our faces when we dare to display a Confederate Battle Flag in honor our forefathers and Southern Heritage. We display the Battle Flag or any of the other Confederate Flags with pride and teach our children the Truth as we have been taught regardless of what the “Good Ole Government Schools” choose to teach, and then we are suddenly labeled Racist.
The biggest problem we have here is “those people” are judging our Confederate ancestors on today's values. Slavery was a common practice in their time and they should be judged on how they treated each other and their slaves, for the ones that actually owned slaves, instead of condemning them as if they were living in today’s time. I also believe that God is the only one that should be judging anyone.
In my family the majority never owned slaves, the majority were just poor dirt farmers in the foothills of upstate South Carolina. The few that did own slaves from what I have learned took good care of them, a lot of these slaves took the family name and were buried in the family cemetery when they passed. These slaves did work hard as did most people in that time, when the War broke out a lot of these men chose to go fight for the Confederacy. Black, White, Hispanic, Indian, or whatever race, the Confederacy was made up of all, without being forced these people came together to fight for their rights and way of life against the outsiders who were denying them the right to secede from a Government they could not agree with.
Slavery was not an issue to the South, it seems to me it was made an issue by Lincoln when he realized that the South could actually win the War for Southern Independence. Lincoln and Grant were more interested in keeping slavery than anyone in the entire South.
If our Southern ancestors are going to be judged they should be judged on the time frame in which they lived. Our ancestors are getting a bad rap when they are judged on present day values. I do not agree with slavery or racism and from what I have learned I am proud of the way my family treated each other and also the way the few slaves were brought in and given a chance to raise their families in a situation where they didn't have to wonder where their next meal was coming from. These men did have to work hard for ends to meet, and that situation is not limited to only one race, all of us have had to struggle and over the years we seem to make it easier for the next generation no matter what color we are.
Most of us could not survive if we were put back into that time frame. The ones condemning the actions of our noble forefathers whether true or not on present day values, I know would have a whole new outlook on life if they were faced with the hardships of that time. Don’t get me wrong I do not agree with Racism, Hate, or Slavery, and I also do not agree on condemning someone for how they handled life 150 years ago against today’s standards. The ones who did choose to take advantage of and mistreat others have already been judged by The Good Lord and that is not up to us.
Deo Vindice
And more:
We are once again or should I say still in the middle of yet another battle defending our Noble Forefathers and or justifying the reasons of the War for Southern Independence aka Civil War. We are again debating amongst ourselves if secession is legal or if it is now a proper time to secede and the question of were our Forefathers right to do it when they did. All of this is so frustrating and it’s easier to walk away and avoid the fight rather than stand up and hear the usual lies once again.
I myself made the statement in my forum “Never argue with an idiot” I still believe this but there is more to the statement than it seems. Never back down when our Southern Heritage and Confederate Forefathers are being disgraced. Stand up as you always have and defend them with facts in the Polite Southern manner you were blessed with. Answer “those people” in a normal voice when they shout lies toward you at the top of their lungs and give them a few more facts to think about. Never lower yourself to their level because believe it or not people actually take in what is being said in a normal polite voice more so than statements that are being shouted. “The louder you talk the less I hear” After you have given all of your facts to discredit the lies being spread usually the person has silenced themselves and disappeared. If they are still shouting their lies at this point is when you realize you are talking with an idiot and it is time to move on. You have given answers to the contrary against all of their lies and they are still shouting. Your words were actually heard by people around and they are now wondering why they were listening to this idiot that is yelling. Your time will now be better used talking with someone else about our Southern Heritage than wasting your time on the one screaming.
Stand up for yourself and our Confederate Forefathers. The uneducated outbursts we all have heard are coming from people who need educated and we can’t force them to get that History lesson that will prove them wrong. Give them the opportunity to hear the Truth but if it is gong to be a screaming match “Never argue with an idiot”. Use your time and talents where they will be seen and heard. Don’t let the idiots bring us down to their level and make us look like something we are not. Too many of our Nobel Forefathers stood up for the cause of the Confederacy for it to have been wrong, Make them proud of us today by standing up for them and defend them with the honest and polite Confederate minded traits they passed down to you. As a good friend pointed out to me “Stand proud and be heard. Our ancestors are still watching”
Look back at some of these blogs, forums, or feedback posts to press and TV, and you will see there are actually more people on the side of the Truth as we were taught than there are idiots trying to disgrace our Southern Heritage. We are blessed to have a larger number of people standing up for our Confederate Forefathers than we realize. I feel blessed to be included with all of you and Thank you all for your efforts.
Add starLikeShareShare with noteEmailKeep unreadAdd tags5:10 PM (5 hours ago)Southern Heritage - Fighting Terrorism since 1861from Rebel With A Clue by JimmyIn 1861 we were invaded by and forced to fight terrorists from a country we had seceded from and contrary to popular belief the Constitution says we had a right to do so. After standing up for our Families and beliefs a large number of our Forefathers fought for and died under the Confederate Battle Flag in an attempt to defend our homeland. After being forced back into that country we have had to defend our honor against the very ones that forced us back. Now we stand next to the ones making fun of us and proudly defend and die for this country against foreign terrorists, we stand side by side with the ones who again make fun of our Heritage and throw remarks in our face like "You lost the war---Get over it" and they just seem to expect us to back down and accept their version no matter what we were taught. Terrorism we need to fight against foreign or domestic, we have to protect our homeland and families against outside forces that go against what we believe in, but a lot of time terrorism is being forced down our throats by people we are supposed to respect and trust. When someone is teaching our children untrue facts and trying to make their every thought Politically Correct in an attempt to not offend anyone and at the same time please everyone, this is just not realistic. The Truth is not politically correct and teaching our children political correctness is the same as spoon feeding them lies. I feel this terror is one we are not noticing and that really scares me.
I think we need to defend our country as long as we are a part of it, I don’t think we have to bow down to the PC crowd and accept the version of the History they are teaching our children at school, we need to honor our Ancestors and teach the Truth that was passed down to us, too many of our Noble Forefathers stood up for the cause for it to have been unjust. I don't always agree with our politicians and really believe they are a big part of the problem and less likely to be a part of the solution.
The terrorism that is trying to erase our Heritage started in 1861 and that Battle was lost but the War is only over when we give up and allow those politicians, PC'rs, and hate groups to erase our Southern Heritage and History. The cause our Confederate Ancestors stood up for will only seem unjust when we allow “those people” to overtake our thoughts and fall into the lies they are spreading to make the terror thrown onto our people look like it was the right thing to do. We have to stay the course in spite of what they throw at us. A good friend said “The amount of hate toward anyone and anything Confederate is often discouraging. It's like trying to hold back the tide with a bucket, and there are so few of us out there with buckets.” I know the ones of us with buckets will never give up and the terror I expect to see will be in the eyes of “those people” when they see what can be done with a few buckets of truth.
Deo Vindice
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Veterans Stand Guard Over Christian Flag At Memorial In North Carolina Town
From SLM News Blog:
12:32 PM (9 hours ago)Vets stand guard over Christian flag In NC townfrom SLMNews Blog by PalmettoPatriotJon from Augusta writes...
I saw this article and of course it mirrors what we've often discussed, but it begs the question: Where are these folks when something far more emblematic of their heritage is under assault, namely, the flag of Dixie? I mean--when they lost the right to display the Confederate flag they apparently didn't realize that, in the minds of their liberal lords, they also lost the right to display any and every symbol they think represented their faith, their culture, their heritage. Neither do they understand that the line must be drawn in the sand around around all of the South's monuments or they will lose all of them--even those that would appear to have little to do with her history and culture, like this particular flag.
'The city council decided last month to remove the flag from above the monument in Central Park after a resident complained, and after city leaders got letters from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State urging them to remove it.
That decision incensed veterans groups, churches and others in King, a city of about 6,000 people 15 miles north of Winston-Salem. Ray Martini, 63, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, launched a round-the-clock vigil to guard a replica Christian flag hanging on a wooden pole in front of the war memorial.'
And, from fwdailynews.com:
Oct 21, 6:05 PM EDT
Veterans stand guard around Christian flag in NC town after it was removed from war memorial
By TOM BREEN
Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/LYNN HEY
Watch Related Video
http://video.ap.org/?t=By%20Section/U.S.&p=&f=INKEN&g=1021dv_christian_flag
NC Veterans Protest Christian Flag Removal
Advertisement
Buy AP Photo Reprints
KING, N.C. (AP) -- The Christian flag is everywhere in the small city of King: flying in front of barbecue joints and hair salons, stuck to the bumpers of trucks, hanging in windows and emblazoned on T-shirts.
The relatively obscure emblem has become omnipresent because of one place it can't appear: flying above a war memorial in a public park.
The city council decided last month to remove the flag from above the monument in Central Park after a resident complained, and after city leaders got letters from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State urging them to remove it.
That decision incensed veterans groups, churches and others in King, a city of about 6,000 people 15 miles north of Winston-Salem. Ray Martini, 63, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, launched a round-the-clock vigil to guard a replica Christian flag hanging on a wooden pole in front of the war memorial.
Since Sept. 22, the vigil has been bolstered by home-cooked food delivered by supporters, sleeping bags and blankets donated by a West Virginia man and offers of support from New York to Louisiana.
"This monument stands as hallowed ground," said Martini, a tall, trim man with a tattoo on his right arm commemorating the day in 1988 when he became a born-again Christian. "It kills me when I think people want to essentially desecrate it."
The protesters are concerned not only about the flag, which was one of 11 flying above the memorial when it was dedicated six years ago, but about a metal sculpture nearby depicting a soldier kneeling before a cross.
"I won't let it fall," Martini said. "I have already told the city, before you can take it down, I'll tie myself to it and you can cut me down first."
The identity of the resident who complained about the flag, a veteran of the Afghanistan war, has not been made public. But the state chapter of the ACLU has no problem with the vigil.
"We were concerned when the city was sponsoring the Christian flag, but we don't have any concern with veterans groups displaying the flag," legal director Katy Parker said. "We think it's great the city is offering citizens a chance to express their opinions."
The protesters, though, aren't satisfied with the vigil. They're planning an Oct. 23 rally in support of their ultimate goal, which is for the city to restore the Christian flag to the permanent metal pole on the memorial.
At a recent public hearing, roughly 500 people packed the King Elementary School gymnasium, many waving Christian flags. Of more than 40 speakers, no one spoke in favor of removing it.
"We've let our religious freedoms and constitutional rights be stripped away one by one, and I think it's time we took a stand," King resident James Joyce said.
Mayor Jack Warren said the city won't make a decision until it can go over its options with legal counsel. One possibility is designating a flag pole at the memorial for the display of any religious emblem, he said. Another is selling or donating the memorial to a veterans organization, essentially privatizing it.
"What it comes down to is: What can we do and what can't we do, what's legal and what's illegal?" he said.
Created by a pastor in New York City a little over a century ago, the flag, which sets a red cross in a blue square in the upper left corner of a white field, has been used by both liberal and conservative Protestant churches, but rarely draws much attention, according to Elesha Coffman, a history professor at Waynesburg University.
"I would guess most churchgoing Protestants in America have never even noticed if there is a Christian flag in their own sanctuary," she said. "It's just kind of there, unless there's a controversy, and suddenly people pick it up."
In King, it's virtually inescapable. Gullion's Christian Supply Center, an area retailer, has sold hundreds of flags since the dispute began, according to Leanne Gay, who was running a tent at Calvary Baptist Church in King where everything from Christian flag decals to T-shirts were for sale.
"In the first couple weeks, we were running out of flags every two hours or so," she said.
The Rev. Kevin Broyhill, pastor at Calvary Baptist, donated the flag now flying at the vigil. But Broyhill thinks having it returned permanently to the memorial is a losing legal strategy. He wants the city to transfer the memorial to a veterans group, which would make it private land.
"Right now, the judges on the Fourth Circuit Court are very liberal," he said. "This battle's already been fought in court."
Broyhill is probably right, according to Larry Little, a lawyer and professor of political science at Winston-Salem State University.
"They know they'd lose," he said of the city council. "They would have to use taxpayers' money to defend what any lawyer worth a grain of salt could tell them is a violation of the separation of church and state."
For veterans who say they're honoring the sacrifices of fallen comrades or Christians who say they're defending their faith, though, such a compromise seems like a sellout.
"That's an easy out," said Eugene Kiger, who has been part of the vigil since the beginning. "The people here saw what was happening and said, 'Somebody has stood up. It's time to stand up with them.'"
© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Click here for copyright permissions!
Copyright 2008 Associated Press
And, related from NPR:
Vets Stand Guard Over Christian Flag In NC Town
by The Associated Press
Enlarge
Associated Press
In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, volunteer, Betty Jean Talley, makes a new “free” sign after donors paid for the yard signs supporting the Christian flag at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, NC. The city removed the Christian Flag flying as part of the Veterans Memorial after complaints. A replacement flag was placed in front of the memorial with round the clock vigil to guard it.
Associated Press In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, volunteer, Betty Jean Talley, makes a new “free” sign after donors paid for the yard signs supporting the Christian flag at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, NC. The city removed the Christian Flag flying as part of the Veterans Memorial after complaints. A replacement flag was placed in front of the memorial with round the clock vigil to guard it.
Enlarge
Associated Press
In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, supporters of the Christian flag, including the motorcycle group, Rolling Thunder Chapter 6, spend time at the site of their round the clock vigil at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, N.C.
Associated Press In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, supporters of the Christian flag, including the motorcycle group, Rolling Thunder Chapter 6, spend time at the site of their round the clock vigil at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, N.C.
Enlarge
Associated Press
In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, volunteer, Betty Jean Talley, makes a new “free” sign after donors paid for the yard signs supporting the Christian flag at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, NC. The city removed the Christian Flag flying as part of the Veterans Memorial after complaints. A replacement flag was placed in front of the memorial with round the clock vigil to guard it.
Associated Press In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, volunteer, Betty Jean Talley, makes a new “free” sign after donors paid for the yard signs supporting the Christian flag at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, NC. The city removed the Christian Flag flying as part of the Veterans Memorial after complaints. A replacement flag was placed in front of the memorial with round the clock vigil to guard it.
Enlarge
Associated Press
In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, Ray Martini, an Air Force Veteran, stands beside a Christian flag flying in front of the Veterans Memorial at Central Park in King, N.C. Martini launched a round the clock vigil to guard the new flag after the Christian flag flying as part of the memorial was taken down after complaints.
Associated Press In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, Ray Martini, an Air Force Veteran, stands beside a Christian flag flying in front of the Veterans Memorial at Central Park in King, N.C. Martini launched a round the clock vigil to guard the new flag after the Christian flag flying as part of the memorial was taken down after complaints.
text size A A A KING, N.C. October 21, 2010, 06:05 pm ET The Christian flag is everywhere in the small city of King: flying in front of barbecue joints and hair salons, stuck to the bumpers of trucks, hanging in windows and emblazoned on T-shirts.
The relatively obscure emblem has become omnipresent because of one place it can't appear: flying above a war memorial in a public park.
The city council decided last month to remove the flag from above the monument in Central Park after a resident complained, and after city leaders got letters from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State urging them to remove it.
That decision incensed veterans groups, churches and others in King, a city of about 6,000 people 15 miles north of Winston-Salem. Ray Martini, 63, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, launched a round-the-clock vigil to guard a replica Christian flag hanging on a wooden pole in front of the war memorial.
Since Sept. 22, the vigil has been bolstered by home-cooked food delivered by supporters, sleeping bags and blankets donated by a West Virginia man and offers of support from New York to Louisiana.
"This monument stands as hallowed ground," said Martini, a tall, trim man with a tattoo on his right arm commemorating the day in 1988 when he became a born-again Christian. "It kills me when I think people want to essentially desecrate it."
The protesters are concerned not only about the flag, which was one of 11 flying above the memorial when it was dedicated six years ago, but about a metal sculpture nearby depicting a soldier kneeling before a cross.
"I won't let it fall," Martini said. "I have already told the city, before you can take it down, I'll tie myself to it and you can cut me down first."
The identity of the resident who complained about the flag, a veteran of the Afghanistan war, has not been made public. But the state chapter of the ACLU has no problem with the vigil.
"We were concerned when the city was sponsoring the Christian flag, but we don't have any concern with veterans groups displaying the flag," legal director Katy Parker said. "We think it's great the city is offering citizens a chance to express their opinions."
The protesters, though, aren't satisfied with the vigil. They're planning an Oct. 23 rally in support of their ultimate goal, which is for the city to restore the Christian flag to the permanent metal pole on the memorial.
At a recent public hearing, roughly 500 people packed the King Elementary School gymnasium, many waving Christian flags. Of more than 40 speakers, no one spoke in favor of removing it.
"We've let our religious freedoms and constitutional rights be stripped away one by one, and I think it's time we took a stand," King resident James Joyce said.
Mayor Jack Warren said the city won't make a decision until it can go over its options with legal counsel. One possibility is designating a flag pole at the memorial for the display of any religious emblem, he said. Another is selling or donating the memorial to a veterans organization, essentially privatizing it.
"What it comes down to is: What can we do and what can't we do, what's legal and what's illegal?" he said.
Created by a pastor in New York City a little over a century ago, the flag, which sets a red cross in a blue square in the upper left corner of a white field, has been used by both liberal and conservative Protestant churches, but rarely draws much attention, according to Elesha Coffman, a history professor at Waynesburg University.
"I would guess most churchgoing Protestants in America have never even noticed if there is a Christian flag in their own sanctuary," she said. "It's just kind of there, unless there's a controversy, and suddenly people pick it up."
In King, it's virtually inescapable. Gullion's Christian Supply Center, an area retailer, has sold hundreds of flags since the dispute began, according to Leanne Gay, who was running a tent at Calvary Baptist Church in King where everything from Christian flag decals to T-shirts were for sale.
"In the first couple weeks, we were running out of flags every two hours or so," she said.
The Rev. Kevin Broyhill, pastor at Calvary Baptist, donated the flag now flying at the vigil. But Broyhill thinks having it returned permanently to the memorial is a losing legal strategy. He wants the city to transfer the memorial to a veterans group, which would make it private land.
"Right now, the judges on the Fourth Circuit Court are very liberal," he said. "This battle's already been fought in court."
Broyhill is probably right, according to Larry Little, a lawyer and professor of political science at Winston-Salem State University.
"They know they'd lose," he said of the city council. "They would have to use taxpayers' money to defend what any lawyer worth a grain of salt could tell them is a violation of the separation of church and state."
For veterans who say they're honoring the sacrifices of fallen comrades or Christians who say they're defending their faith, though, such a compromise seems like a sellout.
"That's an easy out," said Eugene Kiger, who has been part of the vigil since the beginning. "The people here saw what was happening and said, 'Somebody has stood up. It's time to stand up with them.'"
12:32 PM (9 hours ago)Vets stand guard over Christian flag In NC townfrom SLMNews Blog by PalmettoPatriotJon from Augusta writes...
I saw this article and of course it mirrors what we've often discussed, but it begs the question: Where are these folks when something far more emblematic of their heritage is under assault, namely, the flag of Dixie? I mean--when they lost the right to display the Confederate flag they apparently didn't realize that, in the minds of their liberal lords, they also lost the right to display any and every symbol they think represented their faith, their culture, their heritage. Neither do they understand that the line must be drawn in the sand around around all of the South's monuments or they will lose all of them--even those that would appear to have little to do with her history and culture, like this particular flag.
'The city council decided last month to remove the flag from above the monument in Central Park after a resident complained, and after city leaders got letters from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State urging them to remove it.
That decision incensed veterans groups, churches and others in King, a city of about 6,000 people 15 miles north of Winston-Salem. Ray Martini, 63, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, launched a round-the-clock vigil to guard a replica Christian flag hanging on a wooden pole in front of the war memorial.'
And, from fwdailynews.com:
Oct 21, 6:05 PM EDT
Veterans stand guard around Christian flag in NC town after it was removed from war memorial
By TOM BREEN
Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/LYNN HEY
Watch Related Video
http://video.ap.org/?t=By%20Section/U.S.&p=&f=INKEN&g=1021dv_christian_flag
NC Veterans Protest Christian Flag Removal
Advertisement
Buy AP Photo Reprints
KING, N.C. (AP) -- The Christian flag is everywhere in the small city of King: flying in front of barbecue joints and hair salons, stuck to the bumpers of trucks, hanging in windows and emblazoned on T-shirts.
The relatively obscure emblem has become omnipresent because of one place it can't appear: flying above a war memorial in a public park.
The city council decided last month to remove the flag from above the monument in Central Park after a resident complained, and after city leaders got letters from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State urging them to remove it.
That decision incensed veterans groups, churches and others in King, a city of about 6,000 people 15 miles north of Winston-Salem. Ray Martini, 63, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, launched a round-the-clock vigil to guard a replica Christian flag hanging on a wooden pole in front of the war memorial.
Since Sept. 22, the vigil has been bolstered by home-cooked food delivered by supporters, sleeping bags and blankets donated by a West Virginia man and offers of support from New York to Louisiana.
"This monument stands as hallowed ground," said Martini, a tall, trim man with a tattoo on his right arm commemorating the day in 1988 when he became a born-again Christian. "It kills me when I think people want to essentially desecrate it."
The protesters are concerned not only about the flag, which was one of 11 flying above the memorial when it was dedicated six years ago, but about a metal sculpture nearby depicting a soldier kneeling before a cross.
"I won't let it fall," Martini said. "I have already told the city, before you can take it down, I'll tie myself to it and you can cut me down first."
The identity of the resident who complained about the flag, a veteran of the Afghanistan war, has not been made public. But the state chapter of the ACLU has no problem with the vigil.
"We were concerned when the city was sponsoring the Christian flag, but we don't have any concern with veterans groups displaying the flag," legal director Katy Parker said. "We think it's great the city is offering citizens a chance to express their opinions."
The protesters, though, aren't satisfied with the vigil. They're planning an Oct. 23 rally in support of their ultimate goal, which is for the city to restore the Christian flag to the permanent metal pole on the memorial.
At a recent public hearing, roughly 500 people packed the King Elementary School gymnasium, many waving Christian flags. Of more than 40 speakers, no one spoke in favor of removing it.
"We've let our religious freedoms and constitutional rights be stripped away one by one, and I think it's time we took a stand," King resident James Joyce said.
Mayor Jack Warren said the city won't make a decision until it can go over its options with legal counsel. One possibility is designating a flag pole at the memorial for the display of any religious emblem, he said. Another is selling or donating the memorial to a veterans organization, essentially privatizing it.
"What it comes down to is: What can we do and what can't we do, what's legal and what's illegal?" he said.
Created by a pastor in New York City a little over a century ago, the flag, which sets a red cross in a blue square in the upper left corner of a white field, has been used by both liberal and conservative Protestant churches, but rarely draws much attention, according to Elesha Coffman, a history professor at Waynesburg University.
"I would guess most churchgoing Protestants in America have never even noticed if there is a Christian flag in their own sanctuary," she said. "It's just kind of there, unless there's a controversy, and suddenly people pick it up."
In King, it's virtually inescapable. Gullion's Christian Supply Center, an area retailer, has sold hundreds of flags since the dispute began, according to Leanne Gay, who was running a tent at Calvary Baptist Church in King where everything from Christian flag decals to T-shirts were for sale.
"In the first couple weeks, we were running out of flags every two hours or so," she said.
The Rev. Kevin Broyhill, pastor at Calvary Baptist, donated the flag now flying at the vigil. But Broyhill thinks having it returned permanently to the memorial is a losing legal strategy. He wants the city to transfer the memorial to a veterans group, which would make it private land.
"Right now, the judges on the Fourth Circuit Court are very liberal," he said. "This battle's already been fought in court."
Broyhill is probably right, according to Larry Little, a lawyer and professor of political science at Winston-Salem State University.
"They know they'd lose," he said of the city council. "They would have to use taxpayers' money to defend what any lawyer worth a grain of salt could tell them is a violation of the separation of church and state."
For veterans who say they're honoring the sacrifices of fallen comrades or Christians who say they're defending their faith, though, such a compromise seems like a sellout.
"That's an easy out," said Eugene Kiger, who has been part of the vigil since the beginning. "The people here saw what was happening and said, 'Somebody has stood up. It's time to stand up with them.'"
© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Click here for copyright permissions!
Copyright 2008 Associated Press
And, related from NPR:
Vets Stand Guard Over Christian Flag In NC Town
by The Associated Press
Enlarge
Associated Press
In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, volunteer, Betty Jean Talley, makes a new “free” sign after donors paid for the yard signs supporting the Christian flag at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, NC. The city removed the Christian Flag flying as part of the Veterans Memorial after complaints. A replacement flag was placed in front of the memorial with round the clock vigil to guard it.
Associated Press In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, volunteer, Betty Jean Talley, makes a new “free” sign after donors paid for the yard signs supporting the Christian flag at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, NC. The city removed the Christian Flag flying as part of the Veterans Memorial after complaints. A replacement flag was placed in front of the memorial with round the clock vigil to guard it.
Enlarge
Associated Press
In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, supporters of the Christian flag, including the motorcycle group, Rolling Thunder Chapter 6, spend time at the site of their round the clock vigil at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, N.C.
Associated Press In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, supporters of the Christian flag, including the motorcycle group, Rolling Thunder Chapter 6, spend time at the site of their round the clock vigil at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, N.C.
Enlarge
Associated Press
In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, volunteer, Betty Jean Talley, makes a new “free” sign after donors paid for the yard signs supporting the Christian flag at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, NC. The city removed the Christian Flag flying as part of the Veterans Memorial after complaints. A replacement flag was placed in front of the memorial with round the clock vigil to guard it.
Associated Press In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, volunteer, Betty Jean Talley, makes a new “free” sign after donors paid for the yard signs supporting the Christian flag at Veterans Memorial in Central Park, King, NC. The city removed the Christian Flag flying as part of the Veterans Memorial after complaints. A replacement flag was placed in front of the memorial with round the clock vigil to guard it.
Enlarge
Associated Press
In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, Ray Martini, an Air Force Veteran, stands beside a Christian flag flying in front of the Veterans Memorial at Central Park in King, N.C. Martini launched a round the clock vigil to guard the new flag after the Christian flag flying as part of the memorial was taken down after complaints.
Associated Press In a Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 photo, Ray Martini, an Air Force Veteran, stands beside a Christian flag flying in front of the Veterans Memorial at Central Park in King, N.C. Martini launched a round the clock vigil to guard the new flag after the Christian flag flying as part of the memorial was taken down after complaints.
text size A A A KING, N.C. October 21, 2010, 06:05 pm ET The Christian flag is everywhere in the small city of King: flying in front of barbecue joints and hair salons, stuck to the bumpers of trucks, hanging in windows and emblazoned on T-shirts.
The relatively obscure emblem has become omnipresent because of one place it can't appear: flying above a war memorial in a public park.
The city council decided last month to remove the flag from above the monument in Central Park after a resident complained, and after city leaders got letters from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State urging them to remove it.
That decision incensed veterans groups, churches and others in King, a city of about 6,000 people 15 miles north of Winston-Salem. Ray Martini, 63, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, launched a round-the-clock vigil to guard a replica Christian flag hanging on a wooden pole in front of the war memorial.
Since Sept. 22, the vigil has been bolstered by home-cooked food delivered by supporters, sleeping bags and blankets donated by a West Virginia man and offers of support from New York to Louisiana.
"This monument stands as hallowed ground," said Martini, a tall, trim man with a tattoo on his right arm commemorating the day in 1988 when he became a born-again Christian. "It kills me when I think people want to essentially desecrate it."
The protesters are concerned not only about the flag, which was one of 11 flying above the memorial when it was dedicated six years ago, but about a metal sculpture nearby depicting a soldier kneeling before a cross.
"I won't let it fall," Martini said. "I have already told the city, before you can take it down, I'll tie myself to it and you can cut me down first."
The identity of the resident who complained about the flag, a veteran of the Afghanistan war, has not been made public. But the state chapter of the ACLU has no problem with the vigil.
"We were concerned when the city was sponsoring the Christian flag, but we don't have any concern with veterans groups displaying the flag," legal director Katy Parker said. "We think it's great the city is offering citizens a chance to express their opinions."
The protesters, though, aren't satisfied with the vigil. They're planning an Oct. 23 rally in support of their ultimate goal, which is for the city to restore the Christian flag to the permanent metal pole on the memorial.
At a recent public hearing, roughly 500 people packed the King Elementary School gymnasium, many waving Christian flags. Of more than 40 speakers, no one spoke in favor of removing it.
"We've let our religious freedoms and constitutional rights be stripped away one by one, and I think it's time we took a stand," King resident James Joyce said.
Mayor Jack Warren said the city won't make a decision until it can go over its options with legal counsel. One possibility is designating a flag pole at the memorial for the display of any religious emblem, he said. Another is selling or donating the memorial to a veterans organization, essentially privatizing it.
"What it comes down to is: What can we do and what can't we do, what's legal and what's illegal?" he said.
Created by a pastor in New York City a little over a century ago, the flag, which sets a red cross in a blue square in the upper left corner of a white field, has been used by both liberal and conservative Protestant churches, but rarely draws much attention, according to Elesha Coffman, a history professor at Waynesburg University.
"I would guess most churchgoing Protestants in America have never even noticed if there is a Christian flag in their own sanctuary," she said. "It's just kind of there, unless there's a controversy, and suddenly people pick it up."
In King, it's virtually inescapable. Gullion's Christian Supply Center, an area retailer, has sold hundreds of flags since the dispute began, according to Leanne Gay, who was running a tent at Calvary Baptist Church in King where everything from Christian flag decals to T-shirts were for sale.
"In the first couple weeks, we were running out of flags every two hours or so," she said.
The Rev. Kevin Broyhill, pastor at Calvary Baptist, donated the flag now flying at the vigil. But Broyhill thinks having it returned permanently to the memorial is a losing legal strategy. He wants the city to transfer the memorial to a veterans group, which would make it private land.
"Right now, the judges on the Fourth Circuit Court are very liberal," he said. "This battle's already been fought in court."
Broyhill is probably right, according to Larry Little, a lawyer and professor of political science at Winston-Salem State University.
"They know they'd lose," he said of the city council. "They would have to use taxpayers' money to defend what any lawyer worth a grain of salt could tell them is a violation of the separation of church and state."
For veterans who say they're honoring the sacrifices of fallen comrades or Christians who say they're defending their faith, though, such a compromise seems like a sellout.
"That's an easy out," said Eugene Kiger, who has been part of the vigil since the beginning. "The people here saw what was happening and said, 'Somebody has stood up. It's time to stand up with them.'"
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Protest Of Confederate Flag Draws Large Crowd In South Carolina Town
From Rebellion:
Oct 19, 2010 (16 hours ago)Protest of Confederate flag draws large crowd in SC townfrom feed/http://lsrebellion.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default by Old RebelIn the oh-so-tolerant USA, every culture is respected -- except one:
Over the past month, controversy has been brewing in the town of Summerville. It all started when a woman started flying a Confederate flag in a predominantly black neighborhood.
On Saturday, that controversy came to a head as the woman was met with a parade of protesters and supporters. Over 100 people stood on either side of the fence in this small Summerville neighborhood. Confederate flags flew while protestors marched by chanting.
"We've got Confederate paraphernalia in this black neighborhood for the first time. We thought it was good to get together to give a civil rights statement," said Aaron Brown, a protestor of the flag.
But she had friends and supporters, too:
"I've always hated bullies," said League of the South member Larry Sally. "And when Miss Annie called me and told me she was being bullied I brought some friends up here."
Oct 19, 2010 (16 hours ago)Protest of Confederate flag draws large crowd in SC townfrom feed/http://lsrebellion.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default by Old RebelIn the oh-so-tolerant USA, every culture is respected -- except one:
Over the past month, controversy has been brewing in the town of Summerville. It all started when a woman started flying a Confederate flag in a predominantly black neighborhood.
On Saturday, that controversy came to a head as the woman was met with a parade of protesters and supporters. Over 100 people stood on either side of the fence in this small Summerville neighborhood. Confederate flags flew while protestors marched by chanting.
"We've got Confederate paraphernalia in this black neighborhood for the first time. We thought it was good to get together to give a civil rights statement," said Aaron Brown, a protestor of the flag.
But she had friends and supporters, too:
"I've always hated bullies," said League of the South member Larry Sally. "And when Miss Annie called me and told me she was being bullied I brought some friends up here."
Saturday, October 16, 2010
150 Years Ago: the 13th Arkansas Militia Conducts A Pass And Review Ceremony
From The Arkansas Toothpick:
« Arkansas History Commission Exhibit
Main
150 Years Ago… Pass And Review Of 13th Arkansas Militia
By admin
October 15, 2010
This week, 150 years ago, saw one of the most intense masses of men the state of Arkansas has ever seen to up to this date. As the “emergency”, or War, becomes ever-more immenent, the 13th Arkansas Militia mustered on the grouds of the newly-built St. John’s college in Little Rock. This week’s column is perhaps one of the most important in this five-year series as the reader gets acquainted with famous Arkansas Civil War personalities for the first time.
Of these personalities, Fagan will become the commanding officer of the 1st Arkansas Infantry, CSA in a few months; Robert C. Newton will play a vital role in commanding troops at Shiloh in 1862 and ultimately at the Battle of Pine Bluff in 1863; McGregor will become a key component in the 1st Arkansas Infantry as well as he will become the commander of Company D of the same regiment, and several others listed below will likewise play key roles in the formation and perpetuation of the Confederate Army in the upcoming months.
Several of these mens’ families will have Arkansas counties named for them: Conway and Hempstead. The reader should also note the popularity of English literature as a poem by Lord Byron was orated at this mass mustering of militia men.
The question that readers should ask themselves, and the question that the editor will leave strictly up to the reader, is “What was so important to have a thousand men muster in the capital city of Arkansas in October, 1860?” The reader should take note that the election of 1860 is less than a month away and Abe Lincoln was NOT on the ballot.
[LITTLE ROCK] OLD-LINE DEMOCRAT, October 18, 1860, p. 3, c. 2-3
Scenes and Reminiscences.
The most enlivening, and, we may add, imposing scene, we remember to have witnessed during our twelve years residence in Arkansas, was presented at the St. John’s College grounds, on Saturday last, in the regimental drill and review of the 13th regiment of Arkansas militia—recalling reminiscences of similar occasions in by gone days, such as we never expect to witness again.
The place selected for the exercises, itself affords a review which presents much to interest the beholder. The large campus surrounding the College, is bordered on all sides by groves of oak and elm; the college building of the Gothic style of architecture, rising in the midst, the main edifice three stories, with turreted towers rising to the height of four. On the west are the grounds and groves of the U. S. Arsenal, of a size corresponding to those of the College.
We arrived on the ground about noon, with Brigadier Gen. Holt, of the 2d Brigade and Staff, composed as follows, of Adjutant General McConaughey, Aids de Camp Fagan and Harrell, Brigade Major Newbern, Inspector General Trigg; Quarter Master Fletcher, Surgeon Hooper and Commissary Faust:–Col. McGregor, of Jefferson county, acting as Pay Master, and Col. Critz, of White, acting Judge Advocate—splendid with plumes and buttons, all good horsemen and well mounted; the commanding form of the General, in the becoming uniform of his rank, towering above all the others.
The regiment, composed of ten companies, numbering about a thousand men, was drawn up in line of battle facing tot he west, with college buildings in the rear, to receive the reviewing officers from the front in centre. Col. Peyton restraining his impatient charger in front, looked unnaturally [?] well in his glittering regimentals. The veteran Lieut. Col. Karns occupied the left; Major McAlmont, in a most tasteful uniform, the right, and adjutant Newton and Sergeant Major Lewis, Quarter Master Stevenson and Surgeon Sizer, presenting a fine military appearance, as also mounted they occupied their respective positions, on the right and left. Facing the whole, was a long line of pleasure carriages, which, at a distance, looked not unlike gun carriages of an opposing force of artillery drawn up in hostile array.—Indeed, they contained missiles, had they been turned against the hearts of those gallant men, more unerring and destructive far, than either shot or shell—fair ladies, glorious, in the varied hues of Beauty’s inspiring “colors,” commanding batteries of bright eyes, in fearful point-blank range of each warm Southern heart that fluttered at the sight of them there. The loud concordant notes of our excellent city brass band, re-echoing from the adjacent groves, lent spirit sterring [sic] influences to enliven all.
The regiment having been reviewed in form, changed direction to the right, and now in its turn, while the reviewing officers took position on the former front, marched before them by companies, in the following order: Pulaski Lancers, Lieut. Morrison, commanding cavalry, with lances, pennants and handsome uniforms of blue and red, well drilled, and presenting a very gallant appearance; 1st comp. the Capital Guards, Capt. Peay, drilled like veterans of the “Old Guard,” and dressed in a uniform of blue and gold, never yet surpassed in taste and neatness; 2d company, exceeding well drilled and fine looking, Capt. Stillwell; 3d company, composed of gallant looking and intelligent men, Lieut. Griffith, commanding; 4th company, the elite of the regiment, Sergeant Lee of the “Guards,” commanding; 5th company presenting a most soldierly appearance, Capt. Johnson; 6th company, with the step and front of courage and intelligence, Capt. Bushnell; 7th company brave looking, erect and well-drilled, Capt. Vance; 8th company looking as if they might have seen service, and would like to see it again, Capt. Marshall; 9th company who we will venture to say, are all good riflemen, and familiar with the smell of gun powder, Capt. Wellman.
When the parade was concluded, the regiment was formed by companies around [the] door of the College, from which, by request of the Colonel, Gen. S. H. Hempstead addressed them in an eloquent and soul stirring speech of about an hour. He exhorted the militia of Arkansas to remember that they were carrying out a suggestion of the wise and far seeing Washington, in establishing this organization. That, since standing armies were held to be inimical to the institutions of a free people, it devolved on the people to prepare and learn how to defend themselves. He once fondly hoped that this great power of resistance against aggression, a well drilled militia, would only be of use against a foreign country. Until lately he had never supposed otherwise. But a cloud had arisen at the North, which a few years ago, no larger than a man’s hand, had since darkened the whole hemisphere, threatening to sweep our once smiling land with storms of civil strife. In fact, the “irrepressible conflict” had been proclaimed by those having authority over their credulous and fanatical followers, and we had only to prepare to meet it. That our brethren of the North were already marshalling under the title which the rebel and murderer John Brown gave to his banditti in Kansas. That ever town and village, nearly, in the North were nightly the scenes of their drills and parades; giving practical importance to the treasonable declarations of their leaders. The time of peace was the time to prepare for war.
He complimented the regiment upon its discipline and military appearance, and expressed his opinion upon an inquiry to which his attention had lately been called officially, (as Solicitor General,) whether the militia could be called out for drill or other purposes, except at such times as were mentioned in the Statute, and assured his hearers that it was in the discretion of their proper commanding officers, to command them to the field, as often, and whenever he deemed proper to do so. He illustrated his speech with many entertaining historical anecdotes of the effectiveness of the militia force, and how propitious it was to rising spirit, and the rapid promotion of the brave and deserving. His speech was received with deafening applause, and its warnings fell most forcibly upon the ears of hearers who knew the speaker and how to respect his prudence, his honesty and undoubted patriotism.
S. Harris, Esq., by request of Col. Peyton, made the regiment a short and spirited speech.
Leaving the parade ground Gen. Holt and staff, as they were repairing to quarters, stopped at the residence of governor Conway, to pay their respects to him, as the commander in chief. The Governor received them from his steps, in a short speech of welcome, in which he congratulated them upon the revival, at a critical time, of the military spirit which once animated the people, but seemed long to have been dead. He hoped not, but feared greatly, that the valor of the sons of Arkansas, which had been vindicated by the blood of her noblest citizens would ere long be needed to protect her from aggression upon the first rights for which any people will lay down their lives. He exhorted the officers to improve the present opportunity of cultivating the discipline of the only troops we could bring into the field. The Governor’s speech was all the more effective, from the fact that he has always heretofore avoided such displays. He was somewhat embarrassed but concise and fervent.
The regiment after marching into the city and through several streets, was disbanded at 2 o’clock, p.m.
In the evening, the field and staff officers of the Brigade and Regiment, gave a ball at the Anthony House.
“There was a sound of revelry by night,
And Belgium’s capital had gathered there,
Her Beauty and her Chivalry; and bright
The lamps above o’er fair women and brave men;
And many hearts beat happily; as when
Music arose with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again,
And all went merry as a marriage bell.”
[note: From Byron's Childe Harold]
The unstained uniforms of the officers, the happy faces of comely maidens as they joined in the dance.
“All the delusions of the dizzy scene. Its false and true enchantments—art and nature,” gave no token of aught, save peace and prosperity, if aught save peace and prosperity, may portend our happy land.
Rapt in contemplation of graceful “Flying Cloud;” dazzled by the brilliance of beautiful “Shooting Star,” melted by the languishing “Eye of Gazelle;” transported by the graces of “Fairy queen;” electrified by the touch of “Tiny Glove;” subdued by the “sweet influences” of the “Pleiad Regained;” consoled by the sympathy of lovely “Peri;” we were at last cozined [sic?] of our heart and happiness by “Culprit Fay,” and retired at a late hour, overcome with sweet remembrances, mystified by magical and enchantments, and distracted by bewildering delusions, broken hearted, lonely and disconsolate; which might have ended in despair, had not the giant Great Heart our General and the templar Black hair, our fellow aid come to our timely relief, and administered a soothing potion, from which we fell asleep! being soon lost in a wilder maze of dreaming remembrances of
“The garlands, the rose odors, and the flowers—
The sparkling eyes, and flashing ornaments—
The white arms and the raven hair—the braids
And bracelets; swanlike bosoms, and their robes,
Floating like light clouds twixt our gaze and heaven.
[note: from Byron's "Marino Faliero, Doge of Venice; an Historical Tragedy, in Five Acts"]
« Arkansas History Commission Exhibit
Main
150 Years Ago… Pass And Review Of 13th Arkansas Militia
By admin
October 15, 2010
This week, 150 years ago, saw one of the most intense masses of men the state of Arkansas has ever seen to up to this date. As the “emergency”, or War, becomes ever-more immenent, the 13th Arkansas Militia mustered on the grouds of the newly-built St. John’s college in Little Rock. This week’s column is perhaps one of the most important in this five-year series as the reader gets acquainted with famous Arkansas Civil War personalities for the first time.
Of these personalities, Fagan will become the commanding officer of the 1st Arkansas Infantry, CSA in a few months; Robert C. Newton will play a vital role in commanding troops at Shiloh in 1862 and ultimately at the Battle of Pine Bluff in 1863; McGregor will become a key component in the 1st Arkansas Infantry as well as he will become the commander of Company D of the same regiment, and several others listed below will likewise play key roles in the formation and perpetuation of the Confederate Army in the upcoming months.
Several of these mens’ families will have Arkansas counties named for them: Conway and Hempstead. The reader should also note the popularity of English literature as a poem by Lord Byron was orated at this mass mustering of militia men.
The question that readers should ask themselves, and the question that the editor will leave strictly up to the reader, is “What was so important to have a thousand men muster in the capital city of Arkansas in October, 1860?” The reader should take note that the election of 1860 is less than a month away and Abe Lincoln was NOT on the ballot.
[LITTLE ROCK] OLD-LINE DEMOCRAT, October 18, 1860, p. 3, c. 2-3
Scenes and Reminiscences.
The most enlivening, and, we may add, imposing scene, we remember to have witnessed during our twelve years residence in Arkansas, was presented at the St. John’s College grounds, on Saturday last, in the regimental drill and review of the 13th regiment of Arkansas militia—recalling reminiscences of similar occasions in by gone days, such as we never expect to witness again.
The place selected for the exercises, itself affords a review which presents much to interest the beholder. The large campus surrounding the College, is bordered on all sides by groves of oak and elm; the college building of the Gothic style of architecture, rising in the midst, the main edifice three stories, with turreted towers rising to the height of four. On the west are the grounds and groves of the U. S. Arsenal, of a size corresponding to those of the College.
We arrived on the ground about noon, with Brigadier Gen. Holt, of the 2d Brigade and Staff, composed as follows, of Adjutant General McConaughey, Aids de Camp Fagan and Harrell, Brigade Major Newbern, Inspector General Trigg; Quarter Master Fletcher, Surgeon Hooper and Commissary Faust:–Col. McGregor, of Jefferson county, acting as Pay Master, and Col. Critz, of White, acting Judge Advocate—splendid with plumes and buttons, all good horsemen and well mounted; the commanding form of the General, in the becoming uniform of his rank, towering above all the others.
The regiment, composed of ten companies, numbering about a thousand men, was drawn up in line of battle facing tot he west, with college buildings in the rear, to receive the reviewing officers from the front in centre. Col. Peyton restraining his impatient charger in front, looked unnaturally [?] well in his glittering regimentals. The veteran Lieut. Col. Karns occupied the left; Major McAlmont, in a most tasteful uniform, the right, and adjutant Newton and Sergeant Major Lewis, Quarter Master Stevenson and Surgeon Sizer, presenting a fine military appearance, as also mounted they occupied their respective positions, on the right and left. Facing the whole, was a long line of pleasure carriages, which, at a distance, looked not unlike gun carriages of an opposing force of artillery drawn up in hostile array.—Indeed, they contained missiles, had they been turned against the hearts of those gallant men, more unerring and destructive far, than either shot or shell—fair ladies, glorious, in the varied hues of Beauty’s inspiring “colors,” commanding batteries of bright eyes, in fearful point-blank range of each warm Southern heart that fluttered at the sight of them there. The loud concordant notes of our excellent city brass band, re-echoing from the adjacent groves, lent spirit sterring [sic] influences to enliven all.
The regiment having been reviewed in form, changed direction to the right, and now in its turn, while the reviewing officers took position on the former front, marched before them by companies, in the following order: Pulaski Lancers, Lieut. Morrison, commanding cavalry, with lances, pennants and handsome uniforms of blue and red, well drilled, and presenting a very gallant appearance; 1st comp. the Capital Guards, Capt. Peay, drilled like veterans of the “Old Guard,” and dressed in a uniform of blue and gold, never yet surpassed in taste and neatness; 2d company, exceeding well drilled and fine looking, Capt. Stillwell; 3d company, composed of gallant looking and intelligent men, Lieut. Griffith, commanding; 4th company, the elite of the regiment, Sergeant Lee of the “Guards,” commanding; 5th company presenting a most soldierly appearance, Capt. Johnson; 6th company, with the step and front of courage and intelligence, Capt. Bushnell; 7th company brave looking, erect and well-drilled, Capt. Vance; 8th company looking as if they might have seen service, and would like to see it again, Capt. Marshall; 9th company who we will venture to say, are all good riflemen, and familiar with the smell of gun powder, Capt. Wellman.
When the parade was concluded, the regiment was formed by companies around [the] door of the College, from which, by request of the Colonel, Gen. S. H. Hempstead addressed them in an eloquent and soul stirring speech of about an hour. He exhorted the militia of Arkansas to remember that they were carrying out a suggestion of the wise and far seeing Washington, in establishing this organization. That, since standing armies were held to be inimical to the institutions of a free people, it devolved on the people to prepare and learn how to defend themselves. He once fondly hoped that this great power of resistance against aggression, a well drilled militia, would only be of use against a foreign country. Until lately he had never supposed otherwise. But a cloud had arisen at the North, which a few years ago, no larger than a man’s hand, had since darkened the whole hemisphere, threatening to sweep our once smiling land with storms of civil strife. In fact, the “irrepressible conflict” had been proclaimed by those having authority over their credulous and fanatical followers, and we had only to prepare to meet it. That our brethren of the North were already marshalling under the title which the rebel and murderer John Brown gave to his banditti in Kansas. That ever town and village, nearly, in the North were nightly the scenes of their drills and parades; giving practical importance to the treasonable declarations of their leaders. The time of peace was the time to prepare for war.
He complimented the regiment upon its discipline and military appearance, and expressed his opinion upon an inquiry to which his attention had lately been called officially, (as Solicitor General,) whether the militia could be called out for drill or other purposes, except at such times as were mentioned in the Statute, and assured his hearers that it was in the discretion of their proper commanding officers, to command them to the field, as often, and whenever he deemed proper to do so. He illustrated his speech with many entertaining historical anecdotes of the effectiveness of the militia force, and how propitious it was to rising spirit, and the rapid promotion of the brave and deserving. His speech was received with deafening applause, and its warnings fell most forcibly upon the ears of hearers who knew the speaker and how to respect his prudence, his honesty and undoubted patriotism.
S. Harris, Esq., by request of Col. Peyton, made the regiment a short and spirited speech.
Leaving the parade ground Gen. Holt and staff, as they were repairing to quarters, stopped at the residence of governor Conway, to pay their respects to him, as the commander in chief. The Governor received them from his steps, in a short speech of welcome, in which he congratulated them upon the revival, at a critical time, of the military spirit which once animated the people, but seemed long to have been dead. He hoped not, but feared greatly, that the valor of the sons of Arkansas, which had been vindicated by the blood of her noblest citizens would ere long be needed to protect her from aggression upon the first rights for which any people will lay down their lives. He exhorted the officers to improve the present opportunity of cultivating the discipline of the only troops we could bring into the field. The Governor’s speech was all the more effective, from the fact that he has always heretofore avoided such displays. He was somewhat embarrassed but concise and fervent.
The regiment after marching into the city and through several streets, was disbanded at 2 o’clock, p.m.
In the evening, the field and staff officers of the Brigade and Regiment, gave a ball at the Anthony House.
“There was a sound of revelry by night,
And Belgium’s capital had gathered there,
Her Beauty and her Chivalry; and bright
The lamps above o’er fair women and brave men;
And many hearts beat happily; as when
Music arose with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again,
And all went merry as a marriage bell.”
[note: From Byron's Childe Harold]
The unstained uniforms of the officers, the happy faces of comely maidens as they joined in the dance.
“All the delusions of the dizzy scene. Its false and true enchantments—art and nature,” gave no token of aught, save peace and prosperity, if aught save peace and prosperity, may portend our happy land.
Rapt in contemplation of graceful “Flying Cloud;” dazzled by the brilliance of beautiful “Shooting Star,” melted by the languishing “Eye of Gazelle;” transported by the graces of “Fairy queen;” electrified by the touch of “Tiny Glove;” subdued by the “sweet influences” of the “Pleiad Regained;” consoled by the sympathy of lovely “Peri;” we were at last cozined [sic?] of our heart and happiness by “Culprit Fay,” and retired at a late hour, overcome with sweet remembrances, mystified by magical and enchantments, and distracted by bewildering delusions, broken hearted, lonely and disconsolate; which might have ended in despair, had not the giant Great Heart our General and the templar Black hair, our fellow aid come to our timely relief, and administered a soothing potion, from which we fell asleep! being soon lost in a wilder maze of dreaming remembrances of
“The garlands, the rose odors, and the flowers—
The sparkling eyes, and flashing ornaments—
The white arms and the raven hair—the braids
And bracelets; swanlike bosoms, and their robes,
Floating like light clouds twixt our gaze and heaven.
[note: from Byron's "Marino Faliero, Doge of Venice; an Historical Tragedy, in Five Acts"]
Friday, October 15, 2010
Columbia, South Carolina: Confederate Flag Rally
From SLMN News Blog:
9:53 PM (8 minutes ago)Picture of Confederate flag rally in Columbia, SCfrom SLMNews Blog by PalmettoPatriotThis picture here is from a flag rally from earlier in the year. It shows my friend Paul and I in front of the Statehouse. Thanks to Scott for the picture!
9:53 PM (8 minutes ago)Picture of Confederate flag rally in Columbia, SCfrom SLMNews Blog by PalmettoPatriotThis picture here is from a flag rally from earlier in the year. It shows my friend Paul and I in front of the Statehouse. Thanks to Scott for the picture!
Ole Miss Picks Un-Confederate Mascot--Rebel Bear
From SLM News Blog:
8:50 PM (1 hour ago)Ole Miss picks bear for new, un-Confederate mascotfrom SLMNews Blog by PalmettoPatriot'It took seven years, but the University of Mississippi has a substitute for a beloved and reviled mascot who brought the Confederacy to mind. The new guy is still a rebel, only cuddlier.
"Rebel Black Bear" won 62 percent of the vote in a final poll, the school announced Thursday. Its athletic programs will keep the Rebels nickname.'
8:50 PM (1 hour ago)Ole Miss picks bear for new, un-Confederate mascotfrom SLMNews Blog by PalmettoPatriot'It took seven years, but the University of Mississippi has a substitute for a beloved and reviled mascot who brought the Confederacy to mind. The new guy is still a rebel, only cuddlier.
"Rebel Black Bear" won 62 percent of the vote in a final poll, the school announced Thursday. Its athletic programs will keep the Rebels nickname.'
Ready For The Sesquicentennial: Georgia Division Of SCV Offers Commercials To Air On History Channel
This blogger is generally anti-Confederate, just a warning....
From Civil War Memory:
Just in Time For the Sesquicentennial of the “War For Southern Independence”
October 15, 2010 By Kevin Levin 4 Comments
The Georgia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans is gearing up for the sesquicentennial with a series of commercials that will air on the History Channel in December. These videos will fit perfectly in between Ice Road Truckers, American Pickers, Pawn Stars and various documentaries about UFOs and Hitler’s Bunker. The first video offers an outline of what the war was about:
•Men and women of the South courageously stood for liberty in the face of insurmountable odds. Is this meant for black and white southerners?
•The South peacefully seceded just like the Founding Fathers did in 1776.
•All the South wanted was to be left alone to govern itself.
•Lincoln fought to maintain taxes and tariffs.
•Men like Jackson, Forrest, and Lee fought valiantly and were often outnumbered 5 to 1. You would think that the Georgia Division would reference military leaders from their home state.
Additional videos include:
•Religious Differences
•Regional Differences
•South Carolina Secedes
•The Truth of Slavery in America
•Toombs Speech
•The Morill Tariff
•Lincoln’s Election
•John Brown’s Raid
•Economic Reasons for the War
•Corwin Amendment
As I was going through the videos I realized that this series will make for a very interesting assignment in my Civil War Memory course, which I am teaching next trimester. I am going to split up the class into groups of two and assign a video to each group. Their assignment will be to critique the video by consulting relevant recent scholarship on their respective topics. Students will be responsible for surveying both the strengths and weakness of these videos. For instance, one of the videos on slavery goes into restrictions on free blacks in states like Indiana as well as offering a few points about the place of slavery in the North and involvement in the international slave trade. At the same time the video almost completely ignores the place of slavery in the South. The video on South Carolina’s secession makes no mention of its own Ordinance of Secession. They can write up an analysis and present it to the rest of the class or make a video response and upload it to YouTube. Thanks Georgia SCV.
From Civil War Memory:
Just in Time For the Sesquicentennial of the “War For Southern Independence”
October 15, 2010 By Kevin Levin 4 Comments
The Georgia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans is gearing up for the sesquicentennial with a series of commercials that will air on the History Channel in December. These videos will fit perfectly in between Ice Road Truckers, American Pickers, Pawn Stars and various documentaries about UFOs and Hitler’s Bunker. The first video offers an outline of what the war was about:
•Men and women of the South courageously stood for liberty in the face of insurmountable odds. Is this meant for black and white southerners?
•The South peacefully seceded just like the Founding Fathers did in 1776.
•All the South wanted was to be left alone to govern itself.
•Lincoln fought to maintain taxes and tariffs.
•Men like Jackson, Forrest, and Lee fought valiantly and were often outnumbered 5 to 1. You would think that the Georgia Division would reference military leaders from their home state.
Additional videos include:
•Religious Differences
•Regional Differences
•South Carolina Secedes
•The Truth of Slavery in America
•Toombs Speech
•The Morill Tariff
•Lincoln’s Election
•John Brown’s Raid
•Economic Reasons for the War
•Corwin Amendment
As I was going through the videos I realized that this series will make for a very interesting assignment in my Civil War Memory course, which I am teaching next trimester. I am going to split up the class into groups of two and assign a video to each group. Their assignment will be to critique the video by consulting relevant recent scholarship on their respective topics. Students will be responsible for surveying both the strengths and weakness of these videos. For instance, one of the videos on slavery goes into restrictions on free blacks in states like Indiana as well as offering a few points about the place of slavery in the North and involvement in the international slave trade. At the same time the video almost completely ignores the place of slavery in the South. The video on South Carolina’s secession makes no mention of its own Ordinance of Secession. They can write up an analysis and present it to the rest of the class or make a video response and upload it to YouTube. Thanks Georgia SCV.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Some Observations About The Civil War [sic]
From Rebel With A Clue:
Wednesday
The Civil War
The History of the Civil War and our Southern Heritage have been clouded for years in our public schools, slavery was an issue but not the reason for the Civil War it was actually fought for economic reasons, most Southerners did not own slaves so why would they fight to preserve it. The Confederate Battle Flag stands for Pride and Heritage in the South not hate and racism.
Cause of The War for Southern Independence
The Civil War was a war of aggression against the South. The Northern states had the majority of the industrial capabilities and depended on raw products from the South to survive. The Southern states grew tired of high tariffs and over taxation without sharing in the revenue received by the Northern states from Southern products.
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was the beginning of the secession of seven states in the South. South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas seceded from the union and formed The Confederate States of America. The Confederate states were able to trade directly with other nations with a much lower Confederate tariff. Rather than fairly compete with the low Confederate tariff by lowering the federal tariff, The Lincoln Republicans and their Northern financial backers chose instead to destroy the Confederacy by force.
One of the first things Jefferson Davis did after assuming office as president of the Confederate States of America was to send a peace delegation to Washington, D.C., in an effort to establish friendly ties with the federal government. The Confederacy offered to pay the South’s share of the national debt and to pay for all federal installations in the Southern states. Lincoln rejected all Confederate peace offers and insisted that federal armies would invade the Southern states if they didn’t renounce their independence and recognize federal authority.
The Confederate government attempted to negotiate the withdrawal of a small federal garrison that occupied Fort Sumter, South Carolina, on December 26, 1860. Lincoln decided not to withdraw the garrison. Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. Lincoln issued a call-up of 75,000 troops to put down what he claimed was a "Rebellion" in the South. Four more Southern states joined the Confederacy Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Lincoln sent federal armies into the South. Kentucky and Missouri joined the Confederacy even though their efforts to secede had failed.
Slavery was not the issue for The War of Northern Aggression (aka Civil War); Lincoln himself stated, "The war is being fought for the Union, not slavery". In 1862 in Tennessee a squad of Union soldiers captured a lone, ragged and underfed Confederate soldier. It was obvious that this Confederate soldier owned no slaves and was a worker of the land himself.
The Union soldiers asked the Confederate "What are you fighting for?"
The Confederate soldier simply replied, "I'm fighting because you are down here".
The Confederacy did not want to go to war. Simply put The War for Southern Independence was fought by The South to preserve their God given right to govern and defend themselves as provided under the Constitution. The North losing the Southern States and allowing them their independence would mean economic disaster for the North. This would never be tolerated and would be stopped by whatever means necessary! The war was not fought to end slavery; the war was fought because Lincoln refused to allow the South to go in peace.
Civil War Generals
Robert E Lee
Robert E. Lee was born January 19, 1807 in Westmoreland County, VA.
At the beginning of the secession movement Lee did not agree with the political and economic arguments for Southern independence. Though, unfortunate as the choice was, if pressed to choose between fighting for Virginia or for the Union, Lee realized the decision would be simple. Lee's loyalties proved to be on the side of the South.
On April 18, 1861 Lee was offered field command of the United States Army. On the following day, he received word that Virginia had seceded from the Union; he submitted his letter of resignation from the United States Army on April 20. Three days later, Lee accepted the position of commander of Virginia forces. From this point onward, Lee's identity became linked to the Confederate cause. At the age of 55, on May 31, 1862, Robert E. Lee was assigned to command the troops, which he named "The Army of Northern Virginia". During the Civil War he worked closely with Jefferson Davis, J.E.B. Stuart. He is best known for his victories in the Battle of second Manassas (second Bull Run), and the Battle of Chancellorsville. Named General-In-Chief of all Confederate Armies on February 6, 1865, his tenure in this position was cut short by his surrender to General Grant at the Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, thus ending the Civil War.
After the war, Lee returned to Richmond, he was indicted for treason though never brought to trial. Lee died on October 12, 1870. Robert E. Lee was buried in Lexington and remembered as an educator, a soldier, and a Christian gentleman who lived his life with dignity. Lee has been compared to General George Washington in terms of the respect he earned from his soldiers, his region, and the nation.
Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson
(1824-1863)
Thomas J. Jackson is one of the most revered of all Confederate commanders. A graduate of West Point in 1846, he had served in the Mexican War, earning two brevets, before resigning to accept a professorship at the Virginia Military Institute.
At the beginning of the Civil War he resigned from VMI and was commissioned a colonel in the Virginia forces and dispatched to Harpers Ferry where he was active in organizing the raw recruits until relieved by Joe Johnston. Leaving Harpers Ferry, his brigade moved with Johnston to join Beauregard at Manassas. In the fight at 1st Bull Run they were so distinguished that General Barnard Bee dubbed both the brigade and its commander “Stonewall”. The 1st Brigade was the only Confederate brigade to have its nickname become its official designation. That fall Jackson was given command of the Valley with a promotion to major general.
In the invasion of Maryland, Jackson was detached to capture Harpers Ferry and was afterwards distinguished at Antietam with Robert E.Lee. He was promoted after this and given command of the now official 2nd Corps. It had been known as a wing or command before this. He was disappointed with the victory at Fredericksburg because it could not be followed up. In his greatest day he led his corps around the Union right flank at Chancellorsville and routed the 11th Corps.
Reconnoitering that night, he was returning to his own lines when he was mortally wounded by some of his own men. Following the amputation of his arm, he died eight days later on May 10, 1863, from pneumonia. Stonewall Jackson is buried in Lexington, Virginia.
Robert E. Lee wrote of him with deep feeling "He has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right arm."
Nathan Bedford Forrest
Born July 13, 1821 in Chapel Hill, Tennessee. Nathan Bedford Forrest was a farmer, real estate dealer, and slave trader. He had earned a fortune of app. 1,500,000 before the war started and spent most of this money during the war on such things as clothing his troops.
Nathan Bedford Forrest was a natural tactician who earned the praise of his enemies. Both Grant and Sherman feared this man who entered the Confederate forces a private and left a general. His formula for success was "get there first with the most men." His prowess as a cavalry leader and battlefield general earned him the envy of even his adversaries and the title, "Wizard of the Saddle," early on in the war. This title is the source of many arguments now.
On Dec. 24, 1865, six young Confederate veterans met in the law office of Judge Thomas M. Jones. The meeting resulted in the idea of forming a social club, a 1860s version of the VFW or American Legion. Their number quickly grew, and in meetings that followed, the men selected a name based on the Greek word "kuklos" meaning circle, from which they derived the name Ku Klux. Perhaps bowing to their Scotch-Irish ancestry, and to add alliteration to the name, they included "clan," spelled with a K. And so, quite innocently, a new social club called the Ku Klux Klan was created to provide recreation for Confederate veterans.
When Forrest was elected Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan in 1867 at the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, he wasn't even in town. He was elected in absentia. The best research shows that Forrest never "led the Klan," never "rode with" the Klan, nor did he ever own any Klan paraphernalia. The only known order that Forrest issued using his famous name and perceived authority was for the KKK to disband in 1869, which it finally did in 1871. History shows that Nathan Bedford Forrest never was a part of the KKK but his unproven "brief association" with the Klan will forever raise questions about one of America's greatest tactical minds.
When the war ended, Forrest was virtually broke, having spent most of his estimated pre-war fortune of $1.5 million outfitting his troops. He spent his time between business ventures in Memphis and his farm in Mississippi. He died in Memphis, Tennessee on October 29, 1877.
Flags of The Confederacy
The Bonnie Blue was the first unofficial flag of the Confederacy. It can be traced back to 1810 and was used as a symbol of Southern Independence. Sometimes used as a flag of secession. The Bonnie Blue served as the unofficial flag of the Confederacy until the Stars and Bars replaced it.
The First Official Flag of The Confederacy (The First National or Stars and Bars) was used from March 1861 to May 1863; the seven stars represent the original seven states, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. This flag was replaced because it closely resembled the Stars and Stripes used by the union making it hard to distinguish on the battlefield.
The Second Official Flag of The Confederacy (The Second National or Stainless Banner) was used from May 1863 to March 1865, The ANV Battle Flag or Southern Cross was placed on a white background to set it apart from the Stars and Stripes. The thirteen stars represent the original seven states plus four more that joined us, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The two remaining stars represent Kentucky and Missouri who joined us although their efforts to secede had failed.
The Third Official Flag of The Confederacy (The Third National) was adapted in 1865, a broad band of red was added to the end of the flag because when hanging limp the solid white background resembled a flag of surrender. This is the Adopted Flag of The Confederate States of America.
The Confederate Battle Flag "The St. Andrews Cross" flew from 1863 throughout the Confederacy, The Battle Flag was designed as an official banner to distinguish it from the Stars and Bars on the field of battle, and it flew proudly over every battlefield.
The Confederate Navy Jack or Southern Cross was used as a navy jack beginning in 1863, Although it was not actually a National Flag of the Confederacy, This is the most recognized Flag of the South which many people misquote the name as The Stars and Bars. The Confederate Battle Flag or Southern Cross brings a sense of Pride and Heritage to the South. Let's keep her flying.
Posted by Jimmy at 6:02 PM
Wednesday
The Civil War
The History of the Civil War and our Southern Heritage have been clouded for years in our public schools, slavery was an issue but not the reason for the Civil War it was actually fought for economic reasons, most Southerners did not own slaves so why would they fight to preserve it. The Confederate Battle Flag stands for Pride and Heritage in the South not hate and racism.
Cause of The War for Southern Independence
The Civil War was a war of aggression against the South. The Northern states had the majority of the industrial capabilities and depended on raw products from the South to survive. The Southern states grew tired of high tariffs and over taxation without sharing in the revenue received by the Northern states from Southern products.
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was the beginning of the secession of seven states in the South. South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas seceded from the union and formed The Confederate States of America. The Confederate states were able to trade directly with other nations with a much lower Confederate tariff. Rather than fairly compete with the low Confederate tariff by lowering the federal tariff, The Lincoln Republicans and their Northern financial backers chose instead to destroy the Confederacy by force.
One of the first things Jefferson Davis did after assuming office as president of the Confederate States of America was to send a peace delegation to Washington, D.C., in an effort to establish friendly ties with the federal government. The Confederacy offered to pay the South’s share of the national debt and to pay for all federal installations in the Southern states. Lincoln rejected all Confederate peace offers and insisted that federal armies would invade the Southern states if they didn’t renounce their independence and recognize federal authority.
The Confederate government attempted to negotiate the withdrawal of a small federal garrison that occupied Fort Sumter, South Carolina, on December 26, 1860. Lincoln decided not to withdraw the garrison. Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. Lincoln issued a call-up of 75,000 troops to put down what he claimed was a "Rebellion" in the South. Four more Southern states joined the Confederacy Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Lincoln sent federal armies into the South. Kentucky and Missouri joined the Confederacy even though their efforts to secede had failed.
Slavery was not the issue for The War of Northern Aggression (aka Civil War); Lincoln himself stated, "The war is being fought for the Union, not slavery". In 1862 in Tennessee a squad of Union soldiers captured a lone, ragged and underfed Confederate soldier. It was obvious that this Confederate soldier owned no slaves and was a worker of the land himself.
The Union soldiers asked the Confederate "What are you fighting for?"
The Confederate soldier simply replied, "I'm fighting because you are down here".
The Confederacy did not want to go to war. Simply put The War for Southern Independence was fought by The South to preserve their God given right to govern and defend themselves as provided under the Constitution. The North losing the Southern States and allowing them their independence would mean economic disaster for the North. This would never be tolerated and would be stopped by whatever means necessary! The war was not fought to end slavery; the war was fought because Lincoln refused to allow the South to go in peace.
Civil War Generals
Robert E Lee
Robert E. Lee was born January 19, 1807 in Westmoreland County, VA.
At the beginning of the secession movement Lee did not agree with the political and economic arguments for Southern independence. Though, unfortunate as the choice was, if pressed to choose between fighting for Virginia or for the Union, Lee realized the decision would be simple. Lee's loyalties proved to be on the side of the South.
On April 18, 1861 Lee was offered field command of the United States Army. On the following day, he received word that Virginia had seceded from the Union; he submitted his letter of resignation from the United States Army on April 20. Three days later, Lee accepted the position of commander of Virginia forces. From this point onward, Lee's identity became linked to the Confederate cause. At the age of 55, on May 31, 1862, Robert E. Lee was assigned to command the troops, which he named "The Army of Northern Virginia". During the Civil War he worked closely with Jefferson Davis, J.E.B. Stuart. He is best known for his victories in the Battle of second Manassas (second Bull Run), and the Battle of Chancellorsville. Named General-In-Chief of all Confederate Armies on February 6, 1865, his tenure in this position was cut short by his surrender to General Grant at the Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, thus ending the Civil War.
After the war, Lee returned to Richmond, he was indicted for treason though never brought to trial. Lee died on October 12, 1870. Robert E. Lee was buried in Lexington and remembered as an educator, a soldier, and a Christian gentleman who lived his life with dignity. Lee has been compared to General George Washington in terms of the respect he earned from his soldiers, his region, and the nation.
Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson
(1824-1863)
Thomas J. Jackson is one of the most revered of all Confederate commanders. A graduate of West Point in 1846, he had served in the Mexican War, earning two brevets, before resigning to accept a professorship at the Virginia Military Institute.
At the beginning of the Civil War he resigned from VMI and was commissioned a colonel in the Virginia forces and dispatched to Harpers Ferry where he was active in organizing the raw recruits until relieved by Joe Johnston. Leaving Harpers Ferry, his brigade moved with Johnston to join Beauregard at Manassas. In the fight at 1st Bull Run they were so distinguished that General Barnard Bee dubbed both the brigade and its commander “Stonewall”. The 1st Brigade was the only Confederate brigade to have its nickname become its official designation. That fall Jackson was given command of the Valley with a promotion to major general.
In the invasion of Maryland, Jackson was detached to capture Harpers Ferry and was afterwards distinguished at Antietam with Robert E.Lee. He was promoted after this and given command of the now official 2nd Corps. It had been known as a wing or command before this. He was disappointed with the victory at Fredericksburg because it could not be followed up. In his greatest day he led his corps around the Union right flank at Chancellorsville and routed the 11th Corps.
Reconnoitering that night, he was returning to his own lines when he was mortally wounded by some of his own men. Following the amputation of his arm, he died eight days later on May 10, 1863, from pneumonia. Stonewall Jackson is buried in Lexington, Virginia.
Robert E. Lee wrote of him with deep feeling "He has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right arm."
Nathan Bedford Forrest
Born July 13, 1821 in Chapel Hill, Tennessee. Nathan Bedford Forrest was a farmer, real estate dealer, and slave trader. He had earned a fortune of app. 1,500,000 before the war started and spent most of this money during the war on such things as clothing his troops.
Nathan Bedford Forrest was a natural tactician who earned the praise of his enemies. Both Grant and Sherman feared this man who entered the Confederate forces a private and left a general. His formula for success was "get there first with the most men." His prowess as a cavalry leader and battlefield general earned him the envy of even his adversaries and the title, "Wizard of the Saddle," early on in the war. This title is the source of many arguments now.
On Dec. 24, 1865, six young Confederate veterans met in the law office of Judge Thomas M. Jones. The meeting resulted in the idea of forming a social club, a 1860s version of the VFW or American Legion. Their number quickly grew, and in meetings that followed, the men selected a name based on the Greek word "kuklos" meaning circle, from which they derived the name Ku Klux. Perhaps bowing to their Scotch-Irish ancestry, and to add alliteration to the name, they included "clan," spelled with a K. And so, quite innocently, a new social club called the Ku Klux Klan was created to provide recreation for Confederate veterans.
When Forrest was elected Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan in 1867 at the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, he wasn't even in town. He was elected in absentia. The best research shows that Forrest never "led the Klan," never "rode with" the Klan, nor did he ever own any Klan paraphernalia. The only known order that Forrest issued using his famous name and perceived authority was for the KKK to disband in 1869, which it finally did in 1871. History shows that Nathan Bedford Forrest never was a part of the KKK but his unproven "brief association" with the Klan will forever raise questions about one of America's greatest tactical minds.
When the war ended, Forrest was virtually broke, having spent most of his estimated pre-war fortune of $1.5 million outfitting his troops. He spent his time between business ventures in Memphis and his farm in Mississippi. He died in Memphis, Tennessee on October 29, 1877.
Flags of The Confederacy
The Bonnie Blue was the first unofficial flag of the Confederacy. It can be traced back to 1810 and was used as a symbol of Southern Independence. Sometimes used as a flag of secession. The Bonnie Blue served as the unofficial flag of the Confederacy until the Stars and Bars replaced it.
The First Official Flag of The Confederacy (The First National or Stars and Bars) was used from March 1861 to May 1863; the seven stars represent the original seven states, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. This flag was replaced because it closely resembled the Stars and Stripes used by the union making it hard to distinguish on the battlefield.
The Second Official Flag of The Confederacy (The Second National or Stainless Banner) was used from May 1863 to March 1865, The ANV Battle Flag or Southern Cross was placed on a white background to set it apart from the Stars and Stripes. The thirteen stars represent the original seven states plus four more that joined us, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The two remaining stars represent Kentucky and Missouri who joined us although their efforts to secede had failed.
The Third Official Flag of The Confederacy (The Third National) was adapted in 1865, a broad band of red was added to the end of the flag because when hanging limp the solid white background resembled a flag of surrender. This is the Adopted Flag of The Confederate States of America.
The Confederate Battle Flag "The St. Andrews Cross" flew from 1863 throughout the Confederacy, The Battle Flag was designed as an official banner to distinguish it from the Stars and Bars on the field of battle, and it flew proudly over every battlefield.
The Confederate Navy Jack or Southern Cross was used as a navy jack beginning in 1863, Although it was not actually a National Flag of the Confederacy, This is the most recognized Flag of the South which many people misquote the name as The Stars and Bars. The Confederate Battle Flag or Southern Cross brings a sense of Pride and Heritage to the South. Let's keep her flying.
Posted by Jimmy at 6:02 PM
The Confederate Powder Works Chimney In Augusta, Georgia
From SLM News Blog:
8:20 PM (2 hours ago)Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta, GAfrom SLMNews Blog by PalmettoPatriot'The Confederate Powder Works was the only large scale structure that was commissioned and paid for by the Confederate States national government. The facility consisted of 26 buildings that stretched 2 miles along the canal in Augusta and provided black powder for Southern soldiers throughout the War for Southern Independence. The chimney is the only remaining portion of the facility.'
From Southern Interest:
10/13/2010
Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta
October 9, 2010 at 2:00 PM, the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will preside over the rededication of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta, Georgia.
The Confederate Powder Works was the only large scale structure that was commissioned and paid for by the Confederate States national government. The facility consisted of 26 buildings that stretched 2 miles along the canal in Augusta and provided black powder for Southern soldiers throughout the War for Southern Independence. The chimney is the only remaining portion of the facility.
The Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has spent the last eight years raising $192,000 to restore the chimney, an amount of which $84,000 was donated directly by the Georgia Division of the SCV and was funded by their portion of the fees collected from the sale of their specialty vehicle license plates. After eight years of raising the funds, the restoration project began on The rededication of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta is a continuing part of the launch of the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the War for Southern Independence which officially begins this December. Last month, the Georgia Division of the Sons also raised a huge Confederate battle flag along I-75 near Tifton, Georgia; and there are other many other projects and activities already planned in memory of Georgia's role in the War.
Georgia Division Commander Jack Bridwell, speaking of the hard work of the Augusta Camp and the Powder Works Chimney project said, "As we approach the 150th anniversary of the War Between the States, it's only fitting that we now have the opportunity to salute the men of the Augusta Camp, and indeed all the members of the SCV statewide, who have supported the restoration of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney -- the last standing portion of the only industrial complex built by the Confederate Government."
Heads-up from Bro. T. Warren
posted by PoP @ 5:48 PM
8:20 PM (2 hours ago)Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta, GAfrom SLMNews Blog by PalmettoPatriot'The Confederate Powder Works was the only large scale structure that was commissioned and paid for by the Confederate States national government. The facility consisted of 26 buildings that stretched 2 miles along the canal in Augusta and provided black powder for Southern soldiers throughout the War for Southern Independence. The chimney is the only remaining portion of the facility.'
From Southern Interest:
10/13/2010
Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta
October 9, 2010 at 2:00 PM, the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will preside over the rededication of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta, Georgia.
The Confederate Powder Works was the only large scale structure that was commissioned and paid for by the Confederate States national government. The facility consisted of 26 buildings that stretched 2 miles along the canal in Augusta and provided black powder for Southern soldiers throughout the War for Southern Independence. The chimney is the only remaining portion of the facility.
The Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has spent the last eight years raising $192,000 to restore the chimney, an amount of which $84,000 was donated directly by the Georgia Division of the SCV and was funded by their portion of the fees collected from the sale of their specialty vehicle license plates. After eight years of raising the funds, the restoration project began on The rededication of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta is a continuing part of the launch of the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the War for Southern Independence which officially begins this December. Last month, the Georgia Division of the Sons also raised a huge Confederate battle flag along I-75 near Tifton, Georgia; and there are other many other projects and activities already planned in memory of Georgia's role in the War.
Georgia Division Commander Jack Bridwell, speaking of the hard work of the Augusta Camp and the Powder Works Chimney project said, "As we approach the 150th anniversary of the War Between the States, it's only fitting that we now have the opportunity to salute the men of the Augusta Camp, and indeed all the members of the SCV statewide, who have supported the restoration of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney -- the last standing portion of the only industrial complex built by the Confederate Government."
Heads-up from Bro. T. Warren
posted by PoP @ 5:48 PM
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