A Note of Sympathy and Encouragement

It’s come to my attention that several folks are disappointed that they didn’t make the 2013 Confederate Heritage Follies list. In some cases it’s because they simply aren’t important; in a few cases the person was simply too easy a target. Moreover, there were some simply spectacular instances of foolish follies this year, with several being provided by one group. They’re always seeking publicity, and they’ve gotten it … even when they no longer flag the VMFA.

Some of you aren’t trying hard enough. I know you have the potential to make real fools of yourself in spectacular fashion. Others confuse being pitiful and pathetic with being candidates for follies fame. You have to have the right stuff … look at Tripp Lewis for inspiration.

Try harder. There’s always next year. 🙂

News and Notes, December 20, 2013

Elsewhere in the world of history, heritage, and memory, we didn’t want to overlook the following:

• There’s been quite a discussion about the decision to change the name of a high school. Fans of Nathan Bedford Forrest found themselves on the losing end of this one.
• H. K. Edgerton continues to draw attention and garner free publicity.
• The UDC welcomes members who are descended from slaves impressed to work for the Confederate military. What does “service” mean? Was impressment “service”?
• Here’s a rather interesting study of what some of the seceding states said was their reason for seceding. I presume we will accept that these people knew what they meant.
• Is the United States Army still going to war against Lee and Jackson?
• Never say I didn’t point to a positive action on the part of the Virginia Flaggers.

Really? Or, A Case of Selective Memory

Sea Raven Press tells us:I note that this was never an option given to the enslaved. Indeed, if they tried to leave it some people did everything they could to bring them back by force backed by the federal government.

You would think a publisher of history books would understand that.