Re: Photo Of The Day: Fisheye View

allen — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:06:10 -0000

cool shot, sorta warped. like the photographer :-)

Re: How Did This Article Make It Into North and South Magazine?

allen — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:30:14 -0000

Kevin (sorry, I presume that is your name, but the only references I find on the page are from sycophants or to the pronoun "I"),

I find it interesting that you describe Bradley's sources "weak". They are much the same as Grimsley's. And before you ask, yes I have read The Hard Hand of War and am casually acquainted (electronically) with Mark Grimsley. Grimsley relies almost wholly on the O.R. and other Federal accounts. Weak? You tell me. They are undoubtedly self-serving, and understated. As for any antebellum causation for Hurst's actions, my response is "So what?". They don't mitigate his war-time deeds. Hurst's and other Tories' (such as Stokes' 10th Cavalry up on the plateau) units were largely populated with what I'll politely refer to as the scum of the local populations. The miscreants, the rowdies, the layabouts, who took advantage of the absence of those citizens who were away in Confederate service to create havoc, exact revenge for perceived slights, and otherwise slip off the leash for a while. All under color of "authority". Must have been sweet while it lasted for them. For the sake of propriety, I'll just refrain from commenting on Milroy. William Truesdail, too.

The "modern historiography" to which you refer is often just as biased and self-serving as anything you may dismiss as "Lost Cause". Some authors (notably the pseudo-Marxist Eric Foner) are all too eager to recast the period in terms which fit modern social and racial sensibilities. I'll not drop The R Word (revisionist) on you like it is some sort of epithet. All history is revisionist to some extent, as new sources come to light. Bradley's use of the recently uncovered Provost Marshall's records are just such an example. But, since they are relatively unvarnished and definitely disturbing as to how they relate the treatment afforded civilians of Confederate sympathies, you seem to object. Weak? Again, you tell me. I'm sure you'd prefer to cast them aside as such.

Don't agree with Bradley's conclusions? Fine. Suit yourself. The sources are there for you to check out. And just because he doesn't parrot Grimsley or Ash does not mean he's not right.

To Mr. Chris Paysinger --

For someone who claims to be an ear and eye witness to Bradley's presentation of "I am Their Flag", you sure don't have much of a grasp on it. This poem does not place the

author/presenter in any position to claim that he "is the Confederate flag". Far from it. The story is told from the perspective of the flag, were it able to recite the many trials and experiences of the men who carried it. It is a direct rebuttal of those who see the flag as only a symbol of injustice or animosity. And also a refutation of those who are guilty of placing it in that context -- the haters and retrograde social neanderthals.

I'm sorry you and your Ohio-refugee school teacher companion found the Salute to the Flag "weird". This is The South. We have a deep sense of place, and a connection to our past which others often are incapable of understanding. Further, the SCV is a partisan organization. The lineal heir of the UCV. In the right context, it all makes perfect sense. Apparently, you just don't grasp the context. My only advice to you is "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". Or just keep your head down. Whichever you find easier.

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Re: Photo Of The Day: Fisheye View

Re: How Did This Article Make It Into North and South Magazine?