Americans Owe Confederate History Respect

Confederate States of America Page ^ | 6/10/2003 | CHRIS EDWARDS

[cougar_mccxxi]

Americans Owe Confederate History Respect

By CHRIS EDWARDS

The Time Has Come To Take A Stand After attending the Confederate Memorial Day service on June 1 in Higginsville, I found myself believing our nation should be ashamed for not giving more respect and recognition to our ancestors.

I understand that some find the Confederate flag offensive because they feel it represents slavery and oppression. Well, here are the facts: The Confederate flag flew over the South from 1861 to 1865. That's a total of four years. The U.S. Constitution was ratified in April 1789, and that document protected and condoned the institution of slavery from 1789 to 1861. In other words, if we denigrate the Confederate flag for representing slavery for four years, shouldn't we also vilify the U.S. flag for representing slavery for 72 years? Unless we're hypocrites, it is clear that one flag is no less pure than the other.

A fascinating aspect of studying the Civil War is researching the issues that led to the confrontation. The more you read, the less black-and-white the issues become. President Abraham Lincoln said he would do anything to save the union, even if that meant preserving the institution of slavery. Lincoln's focus was obviously on the union, not slavery.

In another case, historians William McFeely and Gene Smith write that Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant threatened to "throw down his sword" if he thought he was fighting to end slavery.

Closer to home, in 1864, Col. William Switzler, one of the most respected Union men in Boone County, purchased a slave named Dick for $126. What makes this transaction interesting is not only the fact that Switzler was a Union man but that he bought the slave one year after the issuance of the Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Of course, history students know the proclamation did not include slaves living in the North or in border states such as Missouri.

So if this war was fought strictly over slavery, why were so many Unionists reluctant to act like that was the issue?

In reviewing the motives that led to the Civil War, one should read the letters soldiers wrote home to their loved ones. Historian John Perry, who studied the soldier's correspondence, says in his three years of research, he failed to find one letter that referred to slavery from Confederate or Union soldiers.

Perry says that Yankees tended to write about preserving the Union and Confederates wrote about protecting their rights from a too-powerful federal government. The numerous letters failed to specifically say soldiers were fighting either to destroy or protect the institution of slavery. Shelby Foote, in his three-volume Civil War history, recounts an incident in which a Union soldier asks a Confederate prisoner captured in Tennessee why he was fighting. The rebel responded, "Because you're down here."

History tends to overlook the South's efforts to resolve the issue of slavery. For example, in 1863, because of a shortage of manpower, Lincoln permitted the enlistment of black soldiers into the Union Army. Battlefield documents bear out the fact that these units were composed of some of the finest fighting men in the war. Unfortunately for these brave soldiers, the Union used them as cannon fodder, preferring to sacrifice black lives instead of whites.

These courageous black Union soldiers experienced a Pyrrhic victory for their right to engage in combat. However, history has little to say about the South's same effort in 1865. The Confederacy, its own troop strength depleted, offered slaves freedom if they volunteered for the army.

We know that between 75,000 and 100,000 blacks responded to this call, causing Frederick Douglass to bemoan the fact that blacks were joining the Confederacy. But the assimilation of black slaves into the Confederate army was short-lived as the war came to an end before the government's policy could be fully implemented.

It's tragic that Missouri does not do more to recognize the bravery of the men who fought in the Missouri Confederate brigades who fought valiantly in every battle they were engaged in. To many Confederate generals, the Missouri brigades were considered the best fighting units in the South.

The courage these boys from Missouri demonstrated at Port Gibson and Champion Hill, Miss., Franklin, Tenn., and Fort Blakely, Ala., represent just a few of the incredible sacrifices they withstood on the battlefield. Missouri should celebrate their struggles instead of damning them.

For the real story about the Missouri Confederate brigades, one should read Phil Gottschalk and Philip Tucker's excellent books about these units. The amount of blood spilled by these Missouri boys on the field of battle will make you cry.

Our Confederate ancestors deserve better from this nation. They fought for what they believed in and lost. Most important, we should remember that when they surrendered, they gave up the fight completely. Defeated Confederate soldiers did not resort to guerrilla warfare or form renegade bands that refused to surrender. These men simply laid down their arms, went home and lived peacefully under the U.S. flag. When these ex-Confederates died, they died Americans.

During the postwar period, ex-Confederates overwhelmingly supported the Democratic Party. This party, led in Missouri by Rep. Dick Gephardt and Gov. Bob Holden, has chosen to turn its back on its fallen sons.

The act of pulling down Confederate flags at two obscure Confederate cemeteries for the sake of promoting Gephardt's hopeless quest for the presidency was a cowardly decision. I pray these men will rethink their decision.

The reality is, when it comes to slavery, the Confederate and United States flags drip with an equal amount of blood.

Chris Edwards is a local musician and MU graduate student of history. He is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and of the board of Missouri's Civil War Heritage Foundation.

[cvn76]

"Hey mister FRAUD engineer:
What is the next number in this sequence: 14-23-34-42-50-?

Can you provide a positive integer solution for a cubed plus b cubed equals c cubed?"

remember SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE, be patient....

i........will......let.......you.........know.......when .....it.........is........your.........turn.

here's how it works my little antlike dog-rocket SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE:

a) i play with you and poke around in you and your buddie's
minds and observe the resultant pyrotechnics.

b) you and your ilk provide entertainment to us (sp)northroner COVEN / SERPENTS.......LOL!!!!!!!

c) curious onlookers/lurkers observe your actions and see not only your antics (ANTics:)) but that concerned fr members will not allow your vile racial screed and phoniness to overrun these threads.

btw, you need to more carefully choose your questions to reflect advanced concepts needed for even a bs in any engr or physics variant.

google doesn't do that for you SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE!!!!!

your a nasty little dude but go back to the restraint thing instead of bleating.....

slug holes in your trailer walls or spin donuts in the fields...relieve the "Rage Against The COVENMACHINE" LOL!!!!

i just have this view of you kind of like the head exploding scenes in the movie "scanners"

[cvn76]

i can just picture SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE furiously bapping his keys searching google right now:)

maybe he'll ask me for a block diagram for an intergallactic transporter or to characterize power transients for his new phaser design.

if so, i'm may have to think about taking on a degree program from starfleet university.....dr/wonker watie is likely on faculty and will be a familiar face in whatever star system the univ is located.

sheesh.....i did it again.....i'm sure if "on faculty" is the correct terminology but i'll hear about it from the staff librarian:) :) :)

[cvn76]

dinnertime here in los "southroners"

no hootenanny for me though.

about 820 in hickville....still too early for the torpor to clear for you "people".

wake up my little ants!!!!!!!!

jiggle,jiggle,jiggle.......:)

[cvn76]

"[cvn76] don't forget to google the word "masting" for us.... we're on edge waiting for your expert interpretation of who actually does this procedure.
Assuming you mean to say "mast" as in an Article 15 proceeding, within the Navy the XO holds XO's mast and the CO holds Captain's Mast. An Admiral holds Admiral's mast."

one last question SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE before dinner:

googled or "jag"?

you don't have to answer that really SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE.

just kidding.....

seethe/smolder away.

lol!!

[nolu chan]

There is nothing like simple questions to point out the obvious, glaring ignorant lack of knowledge of a FRAUD.

Here is a reminder to all lurkers that turd-brain could not answer anything and is reduced to attempting to cover his lack of knowledge with bluster.

[cvn76] don't forget to google the word "masting" for us.... we're on edge waiting for your expert interpretation of who actually does this procedure.

Assuming you mean to say "mast" as in an Article 15 proceeding, within the Navy the XO holds XO's mast and the CO holds Captain's Mast. An Admiral holds Admiral's mast.

Now my turn, turd-brain.

What is the standard of proof at an Article 15 proceeding?

By whatever name, Captain's Mast or Office Hours, what is the required standard of proof to sustain a charge?

Does the accused service member have a right to appointed counsel at all courts-martial?

[nolu chan]

Once again the FRAUD of an "engineer" cannot cope with my simple questions.

He is, of course, an engineer in his mother's basement where he plays with his train set.

Hey mister FRAUD engineer:

What is the next number in this sequence: 14-23-34-42-50-?

Can you provide a positive integer solution for a cubed plus b cubed equals c cubed?

[nolu chan]

[cvn76] wake up my little ants!!!!!!!!

cvn76 watched an ant climb a blade of grass this morning. When the ant reached the top, his weight bent the blade down to the ground. Then, twisting his thorax with precision, the ant grabbed hold of the next blade. In this manner, he traveled across the lawn, covering as much distance vertically as he did horizontally, which amused and delighted the Great cvn76. And then, all at once, the Great cvn76 had what is sometimes called an "epiphany," a moment of heightened awareness in which everything becomes clear. Yes, hunched over that ant on his hands and knees, the Great cvn76 suddenly knew what he had to do...

Quit drinking before noon.

[nolu chan]

[cvn76] seethe/smolder away.

Sorry, you keep me laughing too hard.

Come along my little chihuahua, I want to hear you say Yo quiero Taco Bell.

What is the standard of proof at an Article 15 proceeding?

By whatever name, Captain's Mast or Office Hours, what is the required standard of proof to sustain a charge?

Does the accused service member have a right to appointed counsel at all courts-martial?

[cvn76]

it worked!!!!!!

jiggle,jiggle,shake,shake,shake!

more,more more! lol!!!!!!

"Sorry, you keep me laughing too hard."

that's good because you sure seemed to lose it what with the previous screeching.

dog / wife / neighborhood roadsigns etc...ok i trust?

i must confess that although i laugh constantly on this post, my bursts of mirthfulness at are a bit more sinister SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE in that i take pleasure in crushing your psyche and tweaking your mind. i am mindful that in an ideal world, you and your grandwizard jethro "southron brethren and sistren" would be booted from fr but since things are other than perfect my enjoyment in contributing to your discomfort level will suffice.

although i still think of you as a steaming, filmy wet dog rocket, you may have family who care about you and love you (and i'm not talking about the inbreeding aspect this time).

the fact that you can laugh at your comments like the rest of us shows an ability to release built up frustration. ie: bp under control / vis a vis no stroke for you:)

now, SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE, while we are discussing that frustration issue, surely you recall the rules of engagement as i have dictated them?

have a little chuckle/laugh and read the previous posting about my advising you when you may present questions.lol....lol......i laugh with you on that one!!

and, my busy little antsstrooper, you guessed it.....lol!!!!......i haven't advised you to proceed:)

while re-reading the previous posts, it was i think made quite clear that you will NOT be getting into questions of law due to your already heavy workload as SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE, and my concern for the large number of letters you have in your acronym already.

just remember, others less fortunate than you have had to work or attend schools other than starfleet u. for such titles, and you (through the magic of GOOGLE)have just sailed right through!!!!

lol!!!!!

now, i want you to prepare for that time when you may present questions but that day drifts further away every time you don't follow instructions. for example:

a) the law thing.....lose it....enough on your resume already!

b) math questions....."seriesly" SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE.....law you can GOOGLE your way through to some extent...not as many attorneys to have to bamboozle.
we have more math/physics/engr types than you may know on fr. so GOOGLE up some engr level math questions...... use keywords like Parseval equality...maybe synthesis....,dft....etc...well, grandgoogler, you come up with the search terms! but then again, i must work at mcd's. lol!!!!!!

REMEMBER STARFLEET WARRIOR, prepare.....i may grant you your HUGH opportunity to ask a question but you must make it contextual like you did the navy law (i was actually so proud of you for the google effort you invested. but alas .... to many existing letters:) lol!!)

do stay healthy dog-rocket....don't you have a stroke on me now!!!!bp down=good......mirth=good...fuming=bad

don't let your ineptitude at attcking me get you down! yours is not the first brain iv'e been in so don't let it bug you...just go with the flow ..... or follow your ant trails or whatever.

you will learn from this experience and maybe, just maybe learn to respect others less white than you:)

it's all good.....

[cvn76]

"Come along my little chihuahua, I want to hear you say Yo quiero Taco Bell."

hey......SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE!!!

i spotted this same "yo quiero" reference in another thread referencing YOU.

could it be.....????

i better fire up that google thing tonight and find out what's up with that.

THE COVEN warned you about being watched. lol!!!!

lunch is over here in the los.

[nolu chan]

I observe that you still know nothing and lack the ability to answer even simple questions, but can only bluster and foam at the mouth. Continue on my little ankle-biting chihuahua, I enjoy hearing you go yip-yip-yip.

Hey mister FRAUD engineer:

What is the next number in this sequence: 14-23-34-42-50-?

Can you provide a positive integer solution for a cubed plus b cubed equals c cubed?

Hey mister FRAUD naval officer:

What is the standard of proof at an Article 15 proceeding?

By whatever name, Captain's Mast or Office Hours, what is the required standard of proof to sustain a charge?

Does the accused service member have a right to appointed counsel at all courts-martial?

[nolu chan]

It has been reported that cvn76 was caught abusing his ducks. In turn the ducks rose up in arms and went on the march. (see foto below)

In an act of desperation, the cowardly, duck-abusing cvn76 fled the country in fear of his life, running all the way to the orient. There, he sought asylum and protection from the outraged ducks. Due to his inherent communications problems which render it difficult for him to talk clearly in any language, even English, the local authorities considered his request and found that cvn76 was deserving of being in an asylum.

It is now reported that cvn76 is once again on the move, and may attempt to once again infiltrate the Peoples Republic of California. Ducks and other animals should remain on alert.

[cvn76]

lol!!!!!!

you have produced by far your best post in number 352, SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE!!!

the "coven" members like it!!!!!!

creativity!!

that's what was lacking in prof wonkapumperchief's simple bleatings and YOU the "northroner coven's" favorite little scurrying ant, have it!!!

although you can't be a lawyer due to the letter thing, i'm going to allow you to add another career to your arsenal :

graphic designer!! LOL!!!!

this is allowed as it doesn't require any special title letters be added to your acronym.

only one concern.....and that is the dull repetitiveness and seeming inability to follow instructions re the GOOGLING and math issue on post 351.

you get the benefit of the doubt though as i bet you relapsed on 351 due to your excitement at having post 352's idea pop into your head.

so, with that said i leave you with:

bp down=good......mirth=good...fuming=bad

onward and upward, SMSGAMGMLFC CHAN/STARFLEET DUDE...i had a good feeling about your capabilities when i saw your un-jethro like vocabulary and fr members have learned of your expertise in 25 or so professions but do run with this newfound graphic designer one!!!!!ROFL!!!!!!!!!!

[cvn76]

mr armyman,

you posted to your bud but fyi:

dr chiefwonkingpumper has suffered a severe verbal BEATDOWN (ROFL) due in part to his insistence on defiling stand watie's name with his jethro routine and for his routine of snarlingly attacking anyone who varies from his opinion.

only prerecorded responses will be posted.

[SwordofTruth]

I understand that some find the Confederate flag offensive because they feel it represents slavery and oppression.

No, I don't feel it represents that, I know it represents that.

[nolu chan]

I just feel the need to remind you and all lurkers that you are unable to answer simple questions which should pose no problem to someone of your purported background. All you can do is bluster in an attempt to cover up your glaring lack of knowledge.

Hey mister FRAUD engineer:

What is the next number in this sequence: 14-23-34-42-50-?

Can you provide a positive integer solution for a cubed plus b cubed equals c cubed?

Hey mister FRAUD naval officer:

What is the standard of proof at an Article 15 proceeding?

By whatever name, Captain's Mast or Office Hours, what is the required standard of proof to sustain a charge?

Does the accused service member have a right to appointed counsel at all courts-martial?

[SwordofTruth]

Maybe had they been treated as men with the rights and responisbilities of men, rather than subjugated as property, the whole war might have been avoided to begin with...

Yes, I believe this very well could have avoided the civil war altogether. I honestly don't see why any southerner would be proud of the confederacy. If they knew their history correctly they would know the only people that had any power in the confederate states were rich plantation owners who hurt poor whites just as much as the black slaves. The people standing up for these plantation owners while getting upset about near slave labor taking away our jobs in China are displaying irony at its finest.

[SwordofTruth]

What is the next number in this sequence: 14-23-34-42-50-?

I know you didn't post this to me, but I would like to try to guess the answer if you don't mind.

61

[nolu chan]

I'm sorry, but 61 is not correct.

[Sam's Army]

What makes you think he's "my bud"?