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08/30/2005: "Southern Heritage...."
Karen called it to my attention that Randy "South Knox Bubba" Neal is guest blogging at Facing South. Dare we hope that SKB might find his way back to Left Blogistan sometime soon?
The subject of the SKB guest-post I linked to is some racial incidents in the high schools in Blount County, TN, as a result of which authorities implemented a "safety policy" which implicitly, though not explicitly, result in the banning of displays of the Confederate flag, an action which, of course, rubs salt in some old wounds 'round these parts. As SKB points out:
We’ve all heard the arguments for preserving this Symbol of Pride in our Great Southern Heritage. The Confederate Flag is not a symbol of racism and hatred. It’s a symbol freedom and independence, and particularly freedom from the oppressive tyranny of a Federal government too big for its britches. Oh, yeah, and the Civil War was not about slavery. It was about States’ Rights. (Which presumably includes the state’s right to allow its citizens to own slaves.)In response to that "canonical argument" in favor of homage to the Confederate flag, a commenter adds this:
Jim said...
What was the Civil War about? We needn't guess, as four of the Seceding States set forth Declarations of the Causes of their Secession (similar to the Declaration of Independence). You can find them at:
http://members.aol.com/jfepperson/reasons.html
(note the links to each state's declaration at the top of the page)
Mississippi’s has, as the second sentence:
"Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth."
That of Texas closes with:
"[I]t is meet that our own views should be distinctly proclaimed.
We hold as undeniable truth that ... the servitude of the African race, as existing in these States, is mutually beneficial to both bond and free, and is abundantly authorized and justified by the experience of mankind, and the revealed will of the Almighty Creator, as recognized by all Christian nations..."
The secessionists made no bones about the fact that they would fight to preserve their right to hold other people in bondage. Let us take them at their word.
Len on 08.30.05 @ 07:19 AM CST
