[SWAMPSNIPER]

Reconstruction in the South was pretty harsh, worse, for example, that what was done in defeated nations after WW2. It isn't surprising that something like the KKK would arise in response. I'm not condoning any abuses, they occurred at the hands of both sides however.

I'm old enough to remember when the South was still seen as a defeated enemy in some circles, it still is.

When EVERYONE is ready to move on from the past the future may be better. This isn't going to happen so long as the race card is in play as a political weapon.

[tobyhill]

We should move on from the past but as long as the Rats continue calling Republicans racist I will always remember and point out the true history.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"Reconstruction in the South was pretty harsh, worse, for example, that what was done in defeated nations after WW2. It isn't surprising that something like the KKK would arise in response."

I don't agree with what you said concerning justifying the clan. However, lets say you are correct. West Virginia used to be a part of Virginia. It got it's existence because it broke off from Virginia during the Civil War. It was a non slave state and part of the Union. They didn't have any reconstruction in West Virginia after the Civil War. So even if we take your point at face value, why would the clan thrive in West Virginia? It looks like it thrived because of young industrious racists like Robert Byrd keeping it alive.

[Retired COB]

Reconstruction in the South was pretty harsh, worse, for example, that what was done in defeated nations after WW2.

I hate to break it to you, but West Virginia is NOT a Southern State. We were created (broken off) from the mother state of Virginia over the Civil War.

We were not subjected to the ravages of reconstruction like the deep South states were....so that's not an excuse for Bob Byrd.