[unspun]

The South didn't violently plot to overthrow the union. We merely wanted to peacefully secede.

And the United States said, "No, your reason isn't good enough." Too bad that Ft. Sumter got in the way.

[lentulusgracchus]

And the United States said, "No, your reason isn't good enough."

The United States Government didn't have the stature to say that.

The seceding States were the People. When the People say something, their servants do not contradict them.

Secession and ratification were alike sovereign acts of the People subject to review only by God Himself. Or do you think that your government is empowered to stand over you with iron rods and tell you what your rights are and are not, and what your duties are, and what you are going to do right now?

We're just about there in practice .... are you going to go the last few yards and drink the Kool-Aid, and tell us, with all your heart and your dying breath, that you deeply and truly bellyfeel Big Brother? Signify to us.

[onyx]

The South didn't violently plot to overthrow the union. We merely wanted to peacefully secede.

And the United States said, "No, your reason isn't good enough." Too bad that Ft. Sumter got in the way.

During the Winter of 1860, South Carolina attempted to acquire Ft. Sumter by purchasing it from the Federal government. After diplomatic efforts failed, the state systematically purchased arms and munitions from throughout the United States to take the fort by force. On April 12th, state troops bombarded Ft. Sumter into surrender.

And there went state's rights, so I guess we have you yankees to thank for our behemoth federal government.