[jeffersondem]

” . . . so the United States in 1861 did not “take up the bayonet to overthrow slavery,” but to preserve the Union against rebellion.”

That is a fair argument Brother Joe. But an opposing argument was made just recently in Post 33 by someone your equal. He wrote:

“When you pro-Confederates pretend the Civil War “was not about slavery”, by that you mean neither side fought to defend or defeat slavery, right? This song puts the lie to your claims.”

The song he referenced included the militant line: “As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.”

Critic answers critic.

[BroJoeK]

jeffersondem: "That is a fair argument Brother Joe. But an opposing argument was made just recently in Post 33 by someone your equal."

Sure, I totally "get" that you enjoy playing these word-definition games so much that the real truth of the matter is of no concern to you.

But the fact is that everyone here has been clear & consistent on the following points:

1. Deep South Fire Eaters first declared secession to protect slavery against the newly elected "Ape" Lincoln and his "Black Republicans".

2. War started at Fort Sumter, not over slavery, but over Jefferson Davis' concerns for Confederate "integrity" and Lincoln's intention to regain lost Federal properties.

3. Slavery quickly became an issue in 1861 when fugitives began escaping to Union lines, were declared emancipated "contraband", hired to support the Union cause and so not returned.

4. By war's end, freeing the slaves was a major rallying cry for Union troops (i.e., Howe's song) and a Federal political goal, accomplished with ratification of the 13th amendment.

So, enjoy twisting & spinning all that as much as you wish, but the facts don't change.