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Nathan Bedford Forrest was not a racist.

Since my grandfather (and namesake) was sherriff of Neshoba County, Mississippi, back in the depression, and my Father was raised in Philladelphia, Mississippi, and I now live in Memphis, Tennessee (not far south of Fort Pillow), I will reserve for myself the right to judge NB Forrest's aims and attitides towards the question of race.

There are racists and there are racists. Forrest was an ugly racist of the first order. He was also a brilliant millitary tactician. The two are not mutually exclusive.

My grandfather's tenure in office as Sherriff was limited to one term because he didn't hold with the Klan or their attitude. On top of that he was a soft touch and times were hard. He's the only Sherriff in Mississippi history to come out of office poorer than he went in. He is said to be one of several men who were used to build the character of Atticus Finch, though there are probably a thousand people who make that claim about their ancestors. Kinda like Al Gore and Love Story.

I never knew my grandfather as he died before I was born, but he did teach my father well about the attitudes bad men held within his own community, as well as how to avoid that minority of the population. I learned about vicious racism growing up in Scarsdale, New York and going to school in Boston (I lived in Southie during the bussing riots).

Racism is not a southern failing. It is not a White failing. It is a human failing.

But Nathan Bedford Forrest was a racist.

There are racists and there are racists. Forrest was an ugly racist of the first order. He was also a brilliant millitary tactician. The two are not mutually exclusive.

You have no idea what you are talking about. Here is Forrest in a speech to an organization of Southern blacks in 1875, 10 years after the end of the war. This speech is rather advanced thinking for 1875. It was published in the Memphis Avalanche paper. It's real. You really aren't a student of Forrest based on your statements.

"Nathan Bedford Forrest was invited to speak by the Jubilee of Pole Bearers, a political and social organization in the post-war era comprised of Black Southerners. Miss Lou Lewis was introduced to General Forrest then presented him with a bouquet of flowers and said: 'Mr. Forrest - allow me to present you this bouquet as a token, of reconciliation, an offering of peace and good will.' "General Forrest received the flower with a bow, and replied: To the General Forrest Tribute Website 'Miss Lewis, ladies and gentlemen - I accept these flowers as a token of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the South. I accept them more particularly, since they come from a lady, for if there is any one on God’s great earth who loves the ladies, it is myself. This is a proud day for me. Having occupied the position I have for thirteen years, and being misunderstood by the colored race, I take this occasion to say that I am your friend. I am here as the representative of the Southern people - one that has been more maligned than any other. I assure you that every man who was in the Confederate army is your friend. We were born on same soil, breathe the same air, live in the same land, and why should we not be brothers and sisters. When the war broke out I believed it to be my duty to fight for my country, and I did so. I came here with the jeers and sneers of a few white people, who did not think it right. I think it is right, and will do all I can to bring about harmony, peace and unity. I want to elevate every man, and to see you take your places in your shops, stores and but I want you to do as I do - go to the polls and select the best men to vote for. I feel that you are free men, I am a free man, and we can do as we please. I came here as a friend and whenever I can serve any of you I will do so. We have one Union, one flag, one country; therefore, let us stand together. Although we differ in color, we should not differ in sentiment. Many things have been said in regard to myself, and many reports circulated, which may perhaps be believed by some of you, but there are many around me who can contradict them. I have been many times in the heat of battle - oftener, perhaps, than any within the sound of my voice. Men have come to me to ask for quarter, both black and white, and I have shielded them. Do your duty as citizens, and if any are oppressed, I will be your friend. I thank you for the flowers, and assure you that I am with you in heart and hand.'"