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.