[A Jovial Cad]

Excellent article, and spot-on in many ways.

Of course, the WOT is different in several crucial respects to the Civil War. For one thing, the Confederacy was engaged in what it's proponents saw as a Second American Revolution and wanted to be left alone; the Islamo-fascists are interested in imposing their despicable ideology on the world, and killing anyone who refuses to comply. Also, the Confederate soldier, as a rule, was brave in battle and honorable in conduct; there is absolutely nothing honorable or brave about the little cowards who make up the ranks of Al Quaeda.

But, overall, and as concerns the domestic political situation, I agree: 1864 and 2004 are eerily similar.

[Ranald S. MacKenzie]

The 1864 election was a "men voters only" affair. That is an enormous difference.