3 hour interview with Civil War historian Shelby Foote

Judging historical figures by today's standards

 Should we really judge historical figures or others from the past by today's moral and ethical standards? Almost every Thanksgiving(and Columbus Day) you have those that blame the Pilgrim's for the conquering oppression and genocide of the Native American population of North America. Another is that founding fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson owned slaves. Let's also add that Jefferson had an affair with one of his slaves too. Others accused Abraham Lincoln and other Presidents of being a racist. Most recently you had people protesting President Woodrow Wilson's name being removed from buildings at Princeton University because he held racist views.

I don't think it's totally fair to judge them by today's standard. We have all had the benefit of social change that has evolved from their time period. Like us today, they were a product of their times and society's viewpoints and attitudes. Was Abraham Lincoln a racist by today's standards? Yes, but keep in mind so was most everyone else, both north and south of Mason-Dixon line back then. For as intelligent as Lincoln was he did not have the benefit of 150 years society evolving and understanding of race.

Even my own favorite President, Theodore Roosevelt, is not without sin. I was so saddened to learn of his dishonorably discharging the whole 25th U.S. Army Regiment (aka:"Buffalo Soldiers") in what is called the"Brownsville Affair" An ordeal that pitted a town verses the regiment which evidence was obviously planted testimony untrue and racially motivated. Roosevelt, under recommendation from Army investigators, discharged all 125 Black soldiers. I was angered and sad that this otherwise outstanding President acted in this shameful manner. They were later pardoned but was too late to matter to actual soldiers.

I think one has to keep in mind that many of these people also did a lot of good for our country. That doesn't mean not to hold them accountable for it but don't judge them solely by just that one action or attitude. I'm angered and sad when others feel they are revealing some hidden truth of our history. This is rarely true as the history has has always been their. Not every truth is discussed in middle school history class. Many times they're just covering the highlights(and some low ones) but can't always discuss every sordid detail.

I think one should have a balanced outlook when looking back in history and take more than just one viewpoint. It also helps to read accounts from those in that time period and not someones opinion of it from today's perspective. I haven't always learned nice things about the past either but I've also learned a lot of good. It's what makes history interesting and thought provoking. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

At Thanksgiving we all can't help think the Pilgrims celebrating with the Native American after their first harvest. They had survived a harrowing year. In little over year they had made the harrowing trip across the North Atlantic in the Autumn which is perhaps one of the worst times to do it. Once they landed they had to deal with an unknown land and Native American's who at first seemed to be just lurking in the shadows. Death was common place as only half of them survived until spring. Luckily they were able to befriend the local tribe, the Wampanoags and Squanto who served as a liaison between the two groups. With their assistance they were able to start growing crops and establish themselves. So by the time the fall harvest season came around they had a reason to celebrate and be thankful.

I find it saddening at times that their are those that dwell on the negative things that happened before and after this event. It seems some think they've found some hideous new fact or event that no one else knows or they think it's a great conspiracy or cover-up. It was as if two civilizations that were arcing into two directions of prominence and dominance. The Native Americans were already decimated by the diseases that were spread contact with early European explorers. It's hard to imagine the Pilgrims knew they were but the first of millions more that would land these shores in the centuries to follow. Yet I find many who want to blame them for everything before and after. I don't deny many terrible things came before or after this. I'd rather look at this moment and see something positive and symbolic of our ideals. I don't turn a blind eye to the negative but I always try to look for the positive. I think many try to judge them by today's morale and ethical standards. I think when looking at history one has to look through the eyes of those that went through rather than judging them by today's standards. What would you have done in their place? We all have the pleasure of looking back with 20/20 vision and can see their mistakes and triumphs.

I digress though. I really hope you all enjoy the day with your family and friends. Let's enjoy the day into what it has become which is a day for thanks, eating until stuffed and being with family and friends. Enjoy the moment!

But There Was No Peace: The Aftermath of the Civil War

Eric Foner's "Reconstruction" at Twenty-Five

Thank you Veteran's!

 

"I do not deserve any special credit to the part I took in the Revolution. I only felt and acted as others."

These words come from Ralph Farnham. He enlist in May 1775. He was over 100 years old in 1858 ,on the eve of another great war, when this Ambrotype was taken. His attitude is typical of many veterans then and now. The thought that they did nothing extraordinary but did what they did was nothing greater than others were doing. Whether from the American Revolution or today's actions. Peace or in war time all veteran's deserve our thanks.

The Great Commanders - 05 - Ulysses S. Grant

The Myth of the Lost Cause and Civil War History by Gary W. Gallagher

The Myth of the Lost Cause and Civil War History by Gary W. Gallagher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book edited by University of Virginia Professor of Civil War History, Gary W. Gallagher. The "Lost Cause" is a phrase used to describe how some describe the Civil War from a decidedly biased viewpoint from the Confederate point of view and how it has worked it's way into a popular way of defending the southern states during the war. Many of the key belief's are(although not limited to): 1. Slavery had little or nothing to do with the conflict. Common saying is it was about "states rights". Conflict is also described as a revolution rather than a rebellion. 2.Confederate heroes are given a God-like status. Popular figures Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and Stonewall Jackson are prime examples. 3. War was only lost due superior manpower and industry rather than by any skill or doing by Federal Generals or soldiers. General Ulysses S. Grant, overall Union commander, skill and ability was attacked or belittled in comparison to his counterpart Robert E. Lee. Even the common soldier on the ground was described as superior to their Union counterparts.

The individual essays take an interesting look how this happened. It did open my eyes to see how even I may have fallen to some belief's. I can't imagine Confederate apologists would like this book as it tears there enlargements apart. This is just as relevant today with all the recent controversy over Confederate Flags, monuments and so on that many still defend.

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Gary Gallagher: The Civil War in American Memory

Gary Gallagher: The Civil War in American Memory from The Gilder Lehrman Institute on Vimeo.

Lincoln and Davis: War Presidents

Two of my favorite(arguably among the best)speakers on Civil War era James McPherson and Gary W. Gallagher. 

Civil War Lecture Series: Gary Gallagher

"The Generalship of Ulysses S. Grant and the American Civil War" by Dr. ...

The Disappearance of Union from the Memory of the Civil War (Gary Gallag...

Mission 145 - The Mysteries of the Bridgewater Triangle with Aaron Cadie...

Garfield by Allen Peskin

Garfield by Allan Peskin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

President Garfield is one of those White House residents that don't receive a lot of attention. His biggest claim to fame, to the average person, unfortunately was that he was assassinated in 1881. He only held the Presidency for a few short months before being shot in Washington D.C. train station headed out on vacation. 

His other claim to fame is that he was the last President born in a log cabin like Abraham Lincoln. He was born in Moreland Hills, Ohio in 1831. His father died when he was two. The family was poor and to overcome this he poured himself into books as a form of escape. He excelled in school. He eventually went to Hiriam College, in Ohio, and then to Willams College in Western Massachusetts. After graduation he returned to Hiriam College to teach and soon became it's President after short time. 

He would soon get that personal urge to do more, which would be a recurring theme in his life. He soon became interested in politics and was elected to the Ohio Legislature. When the Civil War came around like many other's he wished to join in to save the union. He served respectively and rose to Brigadier General and was Chief of Staff of General Rosecran's

Midway through the Civil War the urge to move on struck and he was elected in the U.S. House of Representatives where he would stay for many years to be reelected without much opposition for the most part. He served well and was well liked.

In 1880 he had been elected U.S. Senator but before he was to take his position he was nominated for the Presidency as a compromise candidate. Although he didn't actively want the Presidency he seemed to have done little to discourage others from stumping in his behalf. He was perhaps thinking in the next election. When the Republican Convention was in a dead lock after 30 plus ballot his name was soon suggested as a way to break the impasse. It did in a big way. Even while they were counting ballots Garfield, who was actually there reluctantly on behalf of Senator John Sherman, was trying to talk Ohio's delegation to not vote for him. They did anyway.

His short lived Presidency was full of battles of patronage and Presidential Cabinet seats that seemed to change before members even sat in their seats. This was in an age where office seekers were the norm in exchange for their work in campaigning for a candidate. Powerful Senator Conkling from New York battled with Garfield over appointments such as the Treasury Cabinets seat , which was the most coveted position as it contained the most lucrative patronage positions to hand out. Conkling still expected this post (for someone he chose) even though he supported Garfield reluctantly (Conkling was a U.S. Grant supporter) during the campaign. When Garfield nominated Judge William H. Robertson, who was a hated rival of Conkling, to the New York Custom House(probably a more coveted position than a Cabinet position) he protested vehemently. When Robertson won his nomination he resigned from the Senate. When he tried to return he found out he had overestimated his power and was replaced. President Garfield had won the showdown. 

His victory was short lived though. On July 2, 1881 he was shot twice by Charles J. Guiteau in the arm and his back while he was attempting to join his wife on vacation. Guiteau was soon captured as he tried to escape from the Washington train station. The shot in the arm was relatively minor compared to the one in his back. He was eventually taken back to the White House and attempts to locate and remove the bullet from his back were fruitless and beyond the ability of doctors at the time. In fact many blamed the constant poking around with unsterilized hands and instruments helped lead to his death. In fact he would have died anyway as the bullet was in spot that it would have been deadly to try and remove it even if they located it. He lingered on until late September when he finally passed away. President Garfield was widely mourned and lay in state in Washington and eventually Cleveland, Ohio where thousands of visitors payed their respects to their fallen leader. His final resting spot is in Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland. 

Guiteau had been unsuccessful in everything he did in life. He had gone from job to job, attempted to be a lawyer, preacher, writer and even wrote his book(which was actually heavily plagiarized from another book). He became interested in politics and considered himself a stalwart (a faction of the Republican party that supported former President U.S. Grant). When Garfield ran for office he did campaign for him, if you could call it that. He wrote a speech that he passed around to everyone he met. No one but himself took him seriously. He did though expect to be rewarded with a political position for his supposed work. He asked for positions that were well out of his reach and ability although this didn’t deter him the least. He had a grandiose if not delusional image of himself despite his obvious failings and shortcomings. He had visited the White House so many times that that they got sick of him and barred him from visiting. He would not take no for an answer and often would take others obvious attempts at a polite refusal as encouragement which annoyed and tested the patience of others. In other words he was a pain in the backside. At some point he came to the morbid conclusion that Garfield had to be assassinated. This would clear the way for his stalwarts to come into power had his problems would be solved to speak. In a highly publicized trial he was convicted and he was eventually hanged on June 30, 1882. 

I found the book to be a relatively easy reading historical biography. Had a good pace and I did enjoy this book very much and I do recommend it for those interested in American History and Presidents.

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4. A Northern World View: Yankee Society, Antislavery Ideology and the A...

3. A Southern World View: The Old South and Proslavery Ideology

But There Was No Peace: The Aftermath of the Civil War

Historian James McPherson on Abraham Lincoln's Legacy

Forever Free: An Evening with Professor James McPherson and Professor Al...

Civil War - James M. McPherson - This Mighty Scourge, Perspectives on th...

The Bridgewater Triangle

Went to a local screening of The Bridgewater Triangle tonight. It was located the Samoset Rod & Gun Club located in the heart of the triangle in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It was hosted by the co-director Aaron Cadieux. The viewing was of the original director's cut which runs about 90 minutes. A shorter edited for television version(about 42 minutes long) recently appeared on TV on Destination America network. 

The Bridgewater Triangle was first coined by famed cryptozoologist  Loren Coleman who first wrote about in his book Mysterious America first published in 1983 The film features the history, interviews and mysterious paranormal events.

The film was well done and interesting. Being from around the arae I had been aware of some of the legends and stories. I was still interested in hearing about this stuff and I even learned more about the area despite being an avid history buff. 

Even though I'm fairly open to stories of the paranormal sometimes one can not be skeptical at times.  Despite this it was still entertaining and fun to watch. I do recommend this if you're into New England paranormal stories. 

The Dark Horse: The Surprise Election and Assassination of President Gar...

Recently I've been reading up on our 20th President James A. Garfield. I came across this interesting video given by Ken Ackerman who wrote a book on Garfield called The Dark Horse: The surprise Election and Assassination of President Garfield. President Garfield is one of those Presidents that are often over looked even with his status as one one that was killed in often. I enjoyed this video and look forward to reading his book.

The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk

The Caine Mutiny: A Novel of World War II by Herman Wouk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you were like me and have only seen the movie version, starring Humphrey Bogart, you should do yourself a favor dive into this book. It is far more in depth than the movie version. In fact after listening to the book and then watched the movie I was surprised how much the movie left out.

The book focuses more on Willie Keith and his telling the story and how he changed. It's and interesting telling of life aboard a ship during World War 2 with all it's trivialities. Like it has been said before war is often short bursts of excite stretched between extreme amounts of boredom. It tells of the stress and exhaustion that can take a toll on a crew that's been together a long time under stress.

At first the eccentricities of Captain Queeg seem even more unreasonable as the story goes along. As you are brought into the world of the crew you feel in agreement of how crazy their skipper is. When he is relieved during a typhoon that is endangering the ship you can see why.

Then when the reality of it comes later during Maryk's Court Martial you begin to see how Keith, Maryk, Tom Keefer and others were just as complicate in their actions. They realize they did not support their Captain when needed and added to his stress and led to his disgrace.


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White Terror: The Ku Klux Klan Conspiracy and Southern Reconstruction by Allen W. Trelease

White Terror: The Ku Klux Klan Conspiracy and Southern Reconstruction by Allen W. Trelease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was comprehensive look at the activities of the Klu Klux Klan right after the Civil War ended. It was born in Tennessee and spread throughout the south states. They heavily opposed Reconstruction programs of the time. They didn't have a single overall organization but were many groups obviously inspired by the original group. The midnight riders would use a policy of beatings, whippings, rape, arson, shootings and lynching. Their two main targets were recently freed slaves and Republicans. It became such an issue that Congress eventually took action in 1871. After lengthy investigations they were able to make prosecutions and convictions but were relatively small in comparison to the actual number terrorist-like activities that went on. Even so it did slow down curtail the vast majority of activities. By the time Reconstruction ended in the 1877 and the advent of the Jim Crow era of the south the need for the group dropped drastically. The KKK did have revivals first inspired by the film "Birth of a Nation" in the 1920's and then during the segregation/Civil Rights battles of the 1950's and 1960's. This is an excellent reference for those looking into the birth of the Klu Klux Klan Reconstruction period. I think this is an often overlooked element during this time period in American History.

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The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, A Memoir of Ronald Reagan, Theodore Rex ...

#26 Theodore Roosevelt

Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America by David Hackett Fischer

Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America by David Hackett Fischer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was recommended to me by my Dad who was an avid history buff. This takes an interesting look at the four main British folkways into the United States. It looks at how each influenced our history and continues to impact our culture and politics to this day. It gives a fairly good look at each one that would be a good starting point to look at any one of them more in depth. I found this to interesting reading for the most part it could be tedious in some places. It makes a better reference book than a casual reader. History buffs may not mind this but for a light reader it may be too much.

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The Roosevelts: An American Saga by Peter Collier

The Roosevelts: An American Saga by Peter Collier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An intimate look at the families of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt. rather than just look at what they did in history this takes an intimate look at the individuals and how they related as a family. In other words this is a family focused story account and outside events are treated as secondary priority. Everyone's strengths and flaws are looked at. If anything could be taken from this is that even though they may have had money and prestige they were imperfect and dysfunctional.

Theodore, Eleanor and Franklin each had to over come adversity in their lives. Theodore fought to over come his childhood illness's and losing his mother and first wife(soon after giving childbirth) on the same day. Eleanor who over came losing first her mother then her Father(Elliot who was Theodore's brother)who committed suicide for untold reasons. Franklin grew up struggling to gain independence from an overbearing mother and then to be struck with polio just as his political career was about to take off.

We learn how a rivalry developed between the two sides of the family. The children of each side struggled to live up to their parents image and strengths but many times coming up short. They are human just like the rest of us.

I did enjoy listening to this and certainly learned a lot from it. I recommend this if your looking for a more intimate look these families and that were a big influence on our country in the first half of the 20th Century.

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Disney's The Finest Hours - Trailer 1

Must see this!

Based on a true Coast Guard rescue. Filmed in New England and in the town I grew up in, Marshfield, Massachusetts. Based on the book by Michael Tougias and Casey Sherman who are both local authors.  

Sarah Vowell on The Daily Show

Happy Treason Day

How We Fight: Crusades, Quagmires, and the American Way of War by Dominic Tierney

How We Fight: Crusades, Quagmires, and the American Way of War by Dominic Tierney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An in depth look at how the United States fights it's wars. The book takes a look into the wars America has fought from The War of 1812 to the modern day Iraq and Afghanistan. The book both analyzes and critiques the was which are a variety of Interstate wars, crusades, and quagmires. I did find the the outlook and findings to be on an even keel as far as political bias as one might think it would be. So if your looking for something just blasting one political party or another you'll probably won't find as much ammo as you'd like. I found a lot of interesting insights and even stuff I agreed with and have thought of before..

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Eleanor Roosevelt for Ten

Plans are in the making for a new face on our ten dollar bill replacing Alexander Hamilton. It is reported that they are looking for a woman to replace him. My personal pick would be former first Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. 

Like her uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt, she was one that never sat still and was a person of action and deeds. She visited soldiers in both World Wars. Visited homeless veterans during the depression. Championed human rights and addressed women's issue's. She even addressed racial issues like armed forces integration and even lynchings which sadly was an issue in the 1930's. She had no fear addressing it despite her husbands fear of upsetting the southern Democratic support in the south.  

After the war and Franklin Roosevelt's death she continued her hard work in the United Nations and was a key figure in drafting the Human Rights Declaration. She worked so hard for this that someone in the delegation complained that they had human rights also. She quipped back, well if your speeches were shorter we'd have more time(not exactly her words but you get the idea). 

Here's a quick video of her life that does more justice than what I've just written.

The Terrible Hours by Peter Maas

The Terrible Hours by Peter Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of the most daring submarine rescue in history. In May 1939 of the coast of New Hampshire the USS Squalus conducts what was suppose to be a routine dive but something terrible happens and they end up at the bottom of the ocean in about 250 feet below the ice cold Atlantic. Alt the survivors can do is wait for rescue. As the story unfolds we learn about the legendary "Swede" Momsen and his diving bell he helped create after other tragic Submarine mishaps. It's a harrowing ordeal as they fight the elements above and below the water to rescue the remaining cold and wearing thirty-three sailors awaiting to see the sun again.

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The Roosevelts: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. Ward, Ken Burns

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great companion book to go along with the Ken Burns series by the same name. It offers a overall look of the trio of Roosevelts: Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor. It's offers many rarely seen photo's and details of their lives and how the related to each other. It doesn't go over every detail but gives you the general story of them. If your wanting more detail then other books or sources may be of use but this would make a great introduction to the three of them. Each of them made their mark on history in their own way. Well worth a look if your an American history buff.

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Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An incredible story that I couldn't stop listening to. I cannot wait to see the movie now. I am so surprised that I had not heard of this story before. An unbelievable story that defines redemption and resilience. Laura Hillenbrand is gifted the way she put this story together. Each segment was a story in itself. Laura does not hold back any detail to sugarcoat or lessen the story. I highly recommend this!

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41: A Portrait of My Father by George W. Bush

41: A Portrait of My Father by George W. Bush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A bit of a folksy Presidential level son sharing his memories of his father. If you can get by your partisanship and rhetoric for a few hours than you'll find a mild touching story at times. It's thin on hardcore political junky detail stuff but gives a good general outline of Bush 41's life and family. If you can't stand the sound of George W's voice then I'd advise you to pick up the book itself.

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Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

On this day in 1944 the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. It began the liberation of Western Europe that had been under Nazi rule for years. It wasn't an easy task to hold the beaches that first day but they held. A special thanks goes out to those that fought and held that beach that day. Many gave the last full measure of their devotion.

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought what better way to enjoy this classic was through audio. It's such an well known story of Captain Ahab going after the great white whale in an insanely obsessive way. Taking him, his ship and his crew to farthest reaches of the oceans around the globe to find his prey. Herman Melville writes in an colorful descriptive way of not only the main story line but also he also brings to life the toil and history of whaling up to his point in history. It is apparent Herman did a great deal of research both of whaling and of whales in general. Very little detail of whaling is spared in this book as he at times sidetracks to fill in details of how whales were hunted and how their precious oil was extracted. He was gifted and eloquent in his descriptions but sometimes so detailed it was hard to follow as your mind tries keep up with his words. Not only is it a great story it is also a great history book on whaling history. For those uninitiated to this book to be prepared for tedious descriptions at times. I'm not sure if it was just the style writing back then which seems long winded and grandiose. It is worth your time to listen or read though as it is a true classic.

P.S. I've also picked up the movie from my local library and I can't wait to watch. It's the one with Gregory Peck made in 1956.

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Assasination Vacation by Sarah Vowell

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book Sarah takes us on a road trip through the history of America’s first three Presidential assassinations. These are Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield and William McKinley. Most Americans are probably more familiar with Abraham Lincoln’s shooting at the end of the Civil War than they are of the others, James Garfield in 1881 and William McKinley in 1901. I am guilty of this and I’m an amateur history buff.
On Sarah’s road trip she delivers history lessons and her unique humorous wit. I can identify with her passion for history and how others with her must feel the same way, even while they roll their eyes at her. Doesn’t everyone else stop and search for historical markers? Who else would search for John Wilkes Booths grave? Who would visit the prison (Fort Tortuga) island where Dr. Samuel Mudd was imprisoned?
Sarah is definitely on my short list of authors I’d like to meet. I love her unique style and prose. You get a history lesson that’s delivered with a sense of humor and in context that’s easy to understand. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to many history books which can be dry for the most part. She makes learning about history fun.



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The Civil War, Vol. 2: Fredericksburg to Meridian by Shelby Foote

The Civil War, Vol. 2: Fredericksburg to Meridian by Shelby Foote
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't think their is a more extensive and detail filled account of the American Civil War around. I've already read the books and thought listening to it would enhance an already detailed account. It is very detailed and thorough as Shelby Foote is one of the master's when it comes to Civil War history. The only complaint I had about this is that sometimes to audio is off balanced both in volume and tone at times as you can tell where the stopped and started the narrative at times. It is long too as it clocks in at over 40 plus hours. It may be a bit easier to get through this than physically reading the book but that's hard to say as I read the book quite some time ago. The only critique as far as the book I can think of was that Shelby seemed to focus a lot more on the southern side during the Battle of Gettysburg. In particular the battle for Little Round Top which was probably one of the most pivotal points of the battle, if not the war it's self which seemed to only get a paragraph or two and told almost entirely from southern point of view. I still view this series a must read for any U.S. History or Civil War buff. Just be aware it is extensive reading or listening involved.

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Morgan Freeman on Black History Month

What is the meaning behind the Confederate flag?

 "You see us as you want to see us - in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions."
-The Breakfast Club(1985)

Perhaps my first recollection of the Confederate flag adorned the roof of an orange Dodge Charger jumping over washed out bridges by some good ole boys on television I was a tween. I imagine the "Dukes of Hazzard" was the first induction for many my age who were not familiar with the stars and bars. The high powered Dodge of course was named after the famed Confederate General Lee.

Model kit I built more than one.

The famous, or infamous,  Confederate flag was never actually the official flag of the rebellious states. The square flag version was the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert Lee. The more familiar rectangular version was closer to the Confederate Navy Jack version of the "Stars and Bars". This would be closer to the version adorning the roof of an orange Dodge Charger running around Hazard County with the good ole boys.

Battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia

It's bad enough it grew to represent the rebellious states  during the Civil War but has been used by groups such as the Klu Klux Klan and other hate groups to tarnish it's image. This is despite many arguing that this represents their region and or families heritage. It still is part of a few state flags and other groups.The very same flag that I put on the roof of my scale model Dodge Charger when I was tween many years ago.

Confederate Navy Jack - 1863-65

It's a flag that has different meanings  to whomever may see it. Some may see it as a symbol of their ancestry and or regional heritage. A symbol of rebelliousness or individuality for others. Yet to many it also represents a dark period of our history that represents slavery and racism.  

As a northern Yankee perhaps didn't, or perhaps still don't, understand the appeal of this flag. I didn't grow up with it like those living in the states that used to be the Confederacy. I did become sort of a Civil War buff in my adult years to try and tried to understand why the war was fought on either side. When you read about the shear quantity of casualties in the battles it's astonishing and heartbreaking. What motivated these soldiers to mass in front of each other and pretty much slaughter each other. 

A common claim from those down south is that it's a matter of  southern pride. I think it also becomes a symbol of rebelliousness  to authority(especially Federal Government). Those from northern states, African-Americans  and other non-southerners usually see it in a different light. In the south it represents their history and way of life. 

The well known flag actually wasn't official flag of the Confederacy. The popular "stars and bars" X design was actually the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia under General Lee(who would later be reincarnated into an orange 69 Dodge Charger and become famous on TV) and not the official flag of the Confederacy. This was actually just the square version. A rectangular version(popular version) was used as the Confederate Navy Jack.

Unfortunately it became tarnished when used by groups such as the Klu Klux Klan to represent their cause. It was also used by those fighting racial integration in the 40's & 60's. It is hard to erase these images from our history. Not to forget it started with those fighting in rebellion for a cause that had its roots in slavery.

It essentially means a lot of things depending on who you ask. As a northern Yankee the flag has little meaning beyond it's historical value but I do understand that it has different meaning to others. I don't personally object but if one should choose to display it they should be alo aware and be prepared that others may not look at it the same as you do. I can understand those that find it offensive  because of the symbolic nature it has regarding slavery, Civil War and later use of it by the KKK. I don't think you can force someone to feel different about it. To me it represents a sad tragic period of our history that Americans(yes they were all Americans) fought and slaughtered in numbers that would make you wince. The war should be remembered but not romanticized.

I think it's likely that the debate over the meaning of this flag will continue to rage in the future. I think nowadays it has more of a southern pride and being rebellious  but it still carries the baggage of being tied to slavery and racism. Fly it if you want but you should but shouldn't without some thought. One should be aware not everyone looks at the flag and sees what you do.

P.S. I would hope that anyone displaying both Confederate and United States flag would make sure the US flag is placed in honor above the Confederate flag. I would have a problem with that.

Mayflower II Re-entering Water May 8, 2015

Ten hours until dawn by Michael J. Tougias

Ten Hours Until Dawn: The True Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do by Michael Tougias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of the loss of the pilot boat "Can do" during the the Blizzard of 78 that hit New England in February of 1978. I had previously heard a little bit about this tragedy but knew only scarce detail. It has it's share of heroism and tragedy. A worthy tale for those that are interested in tales of maritime history.

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Are you happy?

A cartoon by Kim Warp. For more cartoons from this week’s issue: http://nyr.kr/1DdOohO

Posted by The New Yorker Cartoons on Saturday, April 4, 2015

Do you remember?

1776 by David McCullough

1776 by David McCullough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As many this was a pivotal year in American history. It was also a year which the true birth of George Washington came alive. Just in this year alone he could have been known as the father of the country. It was a year of highs and lows for both the country and George Washington. In the spring General Washington drove the British out of Boston when by shear will power Henry Knox brings captured artillery from northwestern New England (what is now Vermont). In winter through snow and ice covered rivers. Sets them up almost over night and scares the redcoats out of Boston. The victory is short lived though as the next target is New York City. The British regroup and along with some mercenary Hessian troops (from Germany) invade New York. General Washington is outnumbered and out Generaled unfortunately. He regroups his beleaguered troops in New Jersey. This is truly the time that tried men's souls( along with George Washington). Through the recent defeats, lack of confidence of subordinates(One of whom was captured),lacking money, food, clothes and time as many of his troops enlistments were up as of the end of the year also. Through shear will power his ragtag group crossed the now famed Delaware river Christmas night, during a Northeaster keep in mind, and surprised a Hessian Garrison nearby as the slept off their Christmas hangovers and captured most of them with only two men lost, who actually were lost to weather being frozen to death. Though not a huge battle it did prove enough to keep the Continental Army intact andin turn proved to be the turning point in the war.

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