[Ditto]

So despite their intentions, the "fire eaters" did more to free the slaves than Lincoln. If causation is defined by a "but for" test, they were certainly a cause.

If that's how you see it, then I suggest that next July 4, you celebrate King George instead of Jefferson, Washington, and Adams and on Easter we rejoyce over Pontius Pilot and the Pharasees.

BTW. Your comment is about the lamest Lost Cause rationalization I have ever seen on the topic.

[labard1]

Do you frequently see things that aren't there? I've earlier said on this thread that I have no brief for the "fire eaters."

There was no rationalization of anything in my post. It was merely an observation of how far removed intention and result frequently are (or stated differently, it is a wonderful example of the law of unintended consequences writ large). Is one not permitted to muse about life here without being a combatant?

But I guess you wouldn't understand that.