Posted on 04/15/2005 7:27:55 PM PDT by CurlyBill
We have and yet sometimes it seems so difficult to pinpoint what that is.
I'd really love to hear not only your thoughts but that of everyone else about what *exactly* it is that we have lost.
Very eloquently stated sir. I could not agree more wholeheartedly.
free dixie,sw
free dixie,sw
blame the damnyankee-controlled, "publick screwl edumakashun sistim".
free dixie,sw
free dixie,sw
I am going to bookmark this thread solely because of your great post.
You ever deal with some moron named M. Espinola. He's trying to give me crap on the Abe Lincoln museum thread but he's not very good at it. I get the impression he just plain hates the South. Probably one of the stupid yankees from New York.
Our new Government is founded upon exactly the opposite ideas; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the Conservative is not equal to the Liberal; that discrimination, subordination to the Liberal Agenda, is his natural and moral condition. [Applause.] This, our new Government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth. This truth has been slow in the process of its development, like all other truths in the various departments of science. It is so even amongst us. Many who hear me, perhaps, can recollect well that this truth was not generally admitted, even within their day. The errors of the past generation still clung to many as late as twenty years ago. Those at the White House who still cling to these errors with a zeal above knowledge, we justly denominate fanatics. All fanaticism springs from an aberration of the mind; from a defect in reasoning. It is a species of insanity. One of the most striking characteristics of insanity, in many instances, is, forming correct conclusions from fancied or erroneous premises; so with the pro-conservative fanatics: their conclusions are right if their premises are. They assume that the conservative is equal, and hence conclude that he is entitled to equal privileges and rights, with the liberal man.... I recollect once of having heard a gentleman from one of the Red States, of great power and ability, announce in the House of Representatives, with imposing effect, that we of the Liberal Agenda would be compelled, ultimately, to yield upon this subject of anti-Republicanism; that it was as impossible to war successfully against a principle in politics, as it was in physics or mechanics. That the principle would ultimately prevail. That we, in maintaining liberalism as it exists with us, were warring against a principle-a principle founded in nature, the principle of the equality of man. The reply I made to him was, that upon his own grounds we should succeed, and that he and his associates in their crusade against our institutions would ultimately fail. The truth announced, that it was as impossible to war successfully against a principle in politics as well as in physics and mechanics, I admitted, but told him it was he and those acting with him who were warring against a principle. They were attempting to make things equal which the "Government Creator/UN" had made unequal."
Wow. Sounds kinda like speeches we hear all the time in this current generation -- from Liberal Democrats. It's right up up there with something Barbara Boxer or Harry Reid might say on the house floor; different subject. They'd wax on about the evil of America. Sound familiar?
The "Recent Unpleasantness" was about states rights; the issue of slavery came up to break the South. It didn't start out as a "free the slaves" political movement anymore than preferential affirmative action policies were about equality in the later years. History is littered with bigots of all stripes and hues.
Come to think of it? Current race and liberal hustlers on college campuses make such speeches against whites, conservatives, Christians, Jews, and Republicans as that you are quoting. Just insert the newer "stereotype" or "identity".
I know from my own studies; many of the soldiers couldn't write; but educated officers would write letters for them. And, lastly, there were some very finely educated men involved on both sides of the "recent unpleasantness".
I'd love to, but am unable at this time. I think some of our camp members will be there.
So, if you wanna argue that if the South had NOT had slaves, they wouldn't have been so "wealthy" (wealthier than the North), then argue away! No problem. But there is more than just *that* aspect about the "War".
But to say the War was about "Ending Slavery" is only one part of the whole "War".
P.S. Believe it or not... I learned this at public education "schools" in California in the not too distant past. (Musta had a teacher or two who slipped through the "AFL-CIO" knot, eh?) I read more on my own in later years, after PCisms infected the educational apparatus in CA.
P.S.S. Why would I depise you? Heck, even the Confederate Flag is being misrepresented by the PC-run-amok crowds. And the longer I live in the South, the more I understand why the South yet discusses the "War". The South is so rich in American history, you can hardly turn over a pine needle without finding some relic or remembrance of American history -- full, and not just "the war".
Yes, I see, but I'm still wondering... was it the more classical type of education these men received or was it something else? Did they write so well because it was learned or did they learn because of something about them?
Their letters reveal a high level of eloquence, depth and character. So, do the letters show how they were educated or do they simply reveal who they are?
No scholarly answer from me; just my two cents.
Scratching a civilization in a new land required a lot of hard, thoughtful work. Which I think is reflected in the writings. No hurry to rush to a job; no hurry to zip to the mall; or watch your favorite tv show. The "timelines and deadlines" of that time in History were pretty much predicated upon the Seasons, farming/ranching, Family and the Sabbath. Hard work; but not quite the "alarm clock" mentality. Folks, then, saw death and illness far more than we do in our current time. You gave thanks for oil and candles when it got dark. You thought about your next day the night before -- planned it out -- so you wouldn't waste time. This is, IMHO, reflected in the writings of then. You knew a simple cold could result in the death of loved ones.
While modern technology has indeed enhanced our ability to "reach out and zap each other" it hasn't necessarily enhanced and/or contributed to the personal, one to one, side of "communications", IMHO.
What's in CONCORD? (A race?)
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