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