Hunley Burial; Why Did No Southern Governers Attend?

The Southern Spectator ^ | 4/22/04 | Southern spectator

[tamcraft]

The Hunley Burial

This site does not engage in rebel flag waving nor does it have any intention of refighting the Civil War. That being said, we have the utmost respect for the men, women (yes, there were) and children who stood up for their right to freely exit a union they freely entered. This past weekend, the crew members of The Hunley, the first submarine to ever successfully sink an enemy ship were laid to rest in Charleston, SC.

Fourteen governers from the south were invited to attend. A grand total of zero showed up. While some cited scheduling conflicts, the general consensus is that they were leery of being associated with an event that saluted members of the Confederacy. Apparently to these heads of state, the hundreds of thousands who died in this struggle who never owned slaves and indeed, only took up arms when advancing Union troops raped, pillaged and slaughtered their way through their homeland, deserve only to be shunned and ignored.

Shame on the governers of the new South. Some things should be more important than political expediency.

[Wampus SC]

"I wonder if even Sanford was there? The coward has already said that he doesn't think the CBF should even be on our state house grounds."

Not even Sanford was there. Disgraceful.

[Wampus SC]

"So far, this is the only story listed under the keyword “CARPETBAGGINGYANKEES.”

I'm surprised there aren't many, many more!"

Well, we could always go back and add it.... and a few choice keywords for the trolls :)

[4CJ]

At least the governors of NC and GA could have attended. Of course Easley wouldn't have been found within 200 miles of Charleston and considering Sonny sold out I wouldn't expect him to be there either.

Simple common courtesy, not to mention Southern manners, would dictate that the governors would attend. Obviously they are lacking in both.

[stainlessbanner]

bump

[Moose4]

I'm bitterly disappointed in Governor Sanford (of SC) for not attending. I realize that the NAACP down here, who thinks they actually run South Carolina, would scream bloody murder if he went, but sometimes, you just have to ignore the whiners and do the right thing. And attending the funeral would've been the right thing to do, especially considering that the Hunley sailed from, sank in the waters off of, and will be enshrined in, HIS state.

I'm not so upset at none of the others attending, but considering how huge the Hunley has been for South Carolina in general and Charleston in particular, he should've been there. He wouldn't have had to put on butternut and shoulder a musket to march in the procession, but he definitely should've shown up in his official capacity as Chief Executive of this state.

}:-)4

[Colt .45]

"Uh ... maybe because they were too busy doing the job they were elected to do?."

What a crock! They weren't there because they're doing what most politicos do these days - worry whether or not they are pandering to enough special interest groups and minorities.

"It's precisely because such events are taken as a vindication of the secessionist cause, rather than as a commemoration of bravery or sacrifice, that elected officials rightly stay away."

Speaking of whine! Next time bring along some cheese and we'll have a party. OOOPS - my mistake, I can see that you already brought along your cheesy sophomoric philosophy of American freedoms.

[cubreporter]

That may be however, they should have had the courage to attend a memorial for these brave men. There is no excuse whatsoever even the ones you listed for them to have skipped and dismissed this memorial.

I still say shame on them no matter what their reasoning/excuse. They are less than honorable human b eings in my book.

[cubreporter]

That may be however, they should have had the courage to attend a memorial for these brave men. There is no excuse whatsoever even the ones you listed for them to have skipped and dismissed this memorial.

I still say shame on them no matter what their reasoning/excuse. They are less than honorable human b eings in my book.