[CobaltBlue]

I respectfully object to the characterization of the debate as "North-South."

I was born in Virginia, grew up in Louisiana, and now live in Virginia. Both of my parents were born in Mississippi. I am not now, never was, and never will be a Yankee.

But I do know that slavery is why the South seceded, not "state's rights" or tariffs, although those were important, too. I'd love to believe that the real Confederate cause was taxes. We haven't had anybody willing to fight and die over taxes since the Whiskey Rebellion.

[r9etb]

We haven't had anybody willing to fight and die over taxes since the Whiskey Rebellion.

And imagine that -- those rebels were northerners......

[stainlessbanner]

We haven't had anybody willing to fight and die over taxes since

You're right - that's why Lincoln turned to slavery (after 2 years of fighting) in an attempt to turn the war.