Wednesday, April 1, 2015, is the 150th anniversary of the battle of Five Forks. One feature of this battle was that the Confederate commanders in the area, led by George Pickett, gathered at a shad bake that day, leaving the commands unattended as Phil Sheridan and G. K. Warren moved to crush the Confederate position.
This past weekend the Virginia Flaggers, people of sterling integrity and absolute honesty … people of their word … and the future of Confederate heritage, gathered to raise a flag along I-81 near Lexington, Virginia, followed by flagging Washington and Lee University in protest of the university’s decision to remove replica Confederate flags from the Lee Chapel.
[Judy Smith does not want you to see this picture of a Flagger.]
After all that work and effort, you might expect that someone might be hungry. Barry Isenhour certainly was. He loves hot dogs. So he went to eat one … at Kenney’s of Lexington.
Want to know where Kenney’s of Lexington is located?
That’s right … in Lexington, Virginia … within town limits.
What happened to the boycott, Barry? Did you eat alone?
So, has someone betrayed Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson? Or have the Virginia Flaggers been lying all along, asking people to boycott Lexington businesses while doing business with them?
This is the future of Confederate heritage? Really?
Restore the honor, Barry. Return the hot dog.
UPDATE:
The Flaggers reluctantly admitted the violation … but they threw old Barry under the bus, because that wasn’t all that happened …
Why is Virginia Flaggers photographer Judy Smith both so sore and so silent when it comes to the dining habits of the Virginia Flaggers last Saturday? Well, lookie here …
And where is Sweet Things located?
Boy, the Virginia Flaggers really are people who “honor” their word … and it seems Barry was not alone in violating that boycott pledge. No wonder Judy Smith didn’t want to answer my questions. And no wonder the other Flaggers didn’t want you to know that they are lying frauds as well.
We thank the Flaggers themselves for providing evidence that they are not people of their word. So much for “restoring the honor,” I guess.
This is getting to be too easy.
Crossroads 
I love it! Barry looks like he’s had one hotdog too many!
As the copyright holder of the image of Barry Isenhour with the Virginia flag, I request that you remove it from your blog, as you did not ask permission to utilize my work in your article. Thank you.
You mean this one? Oh, certainly, Judy. Not that you might be smarting a little bit over your flailing away about the Flaggers’ slogan on Twitter, eh?
By the way, did you join Barry at the restaurant in question? Did any other Flaggers? What think you of this violation of the boycott by a man you adore enough to photograph all the time?
I hereby ask permission henceforth to use your images freely to illustrate the activities of your favorite heritage group, the Virginia Flaggers. Thank you.
I love how she has put in there that the flaggers are “part of an ongoing project to promote Confederate history and heritage, and honor Confederate Veterans in the Commonwealth.”
No, flying a flag with nothing to explain it does not promote anything but the image of stupid ignorant people who believe in racism by flying a symbol of racism. In no way, shape, or form does it promote history or heritage. It does absolutely nothing to honor confederate veterans.
When anyone flies that flag out of its contextual setting they are only proving they don’t know anything about history. That of course is what the flaggers are all about, showing how ignorant they are.
Mr. Simpson,
The model releases do not allow the images to be be utilized in anyway that does not promote or align with promotion or support of groups in which the model is a member or supports.
As illustrated by your post your goal is not to promote or support any of those organization, thus I must therefore decline to grant you any usage of my images.
Judy Smith
Guess you admit that the images you offer can embarrass their subjects.
At least now you’re being honest. The notion that you did not want me to use your images simply because I did not ask you prior to offering them (as If I’m alone in that regard) was rather easy to test.
Yet you left unanswered the bigger question … how was your lunch in Lexington? What do you make of Barry violating the Flaggers’ vaunted boycott, and of his pride in sharing it with the world? Doesn’t that show contempt for his fellow heritage apologists? How is that “restoring the honor,” eh?
Guess you want to shield the Flaggers from evidence of their (and your?) hypocrisy on this issue of a boycott to “honor” Lee and Jackson.
Take care. There’s more than one way to expose a Flagger.
Beautiful day here in Richmond. Just watched Ms. Smith wander around the campus here at the VMFA giggling at the goldfish in the pond and photographing sculptures, painters with easels, a yoga class – I guess partaking in the many ways that the museum enriched our lives here. Out front the flaggers are probably spinning tales of how the museum sits on stolen land or is some evil institution that hates southerners.
But she was probably “off the clock. “
Excellent comment!!!! The much maligned museum enriches the lives of many and we appreciate it. In addition,
VMFA has transformed a drab parking area into a beautiful area, and created much-needed parking, disguised beneath handsome landscaping.
Goad, did the Judy Smith release you signed say all these things???
The best thing is that Ms. Smith offered an entirely different explanation on Twitter.
The only thing I’ve heard from her is in comment section of my wordpress. She has not contacted me in another manner, even when publishing photos of me.
Can’t handle the free publicity?
Apparently Ms. Smith knows that some of her images are embarrassing to their subjects. I mean, how many more times do we need to see Barry posing by the VMFA? What happens when the Flaggers’ own visual evidence demonstrates that their turnout is low?
She’s skeered, and understandably so. I’m sure she’s a very nice person.
As I’m sure you know, fair use includes parody.
Confederate heritage folks have a history of claiming copyright violation when their own work is shown to make them look ridiculous.
Brooks, It could be said that Washington and Lee University, by removing the Confederate flags, are paying homage to R.E. Lee the educator and past president of the school. Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t Lee say that his biggest regret was choosing the military career. As for the guy in the picture, I think that he would do himself a service by skipping his stops at Kenney’s
Lee has been quoted as saying that.
Yes, Lee did say that. His work as an educator surpasses even his military service, IMHO and in the minds of many. It is for that Washington and Lee honours him. Don’t get me wrong, Lee is loved for his service to the Confederacy. Some years ago, when the Museum below the chapel was renovated, the purpose was to show the general as an educator, not for his military service.
Hot Dogs not Hate!
Oh the irony, “The Battle of Five Forks”!
Well, although one might need five forks, I bet Barry engaged the hot dog in hand-to-bun combat.
What’s Mayor McCheese doing eating a hot dog anyway? Has the whole world gone crazy!?
That food looks vile! Looks like something pulled out of a toilet. Maybe garbage food doesn’t count in their completely ineffective little boycott?
How about a little body positivity. Barry is fine just the shape he is. He is fine with supporting Lexington businesses. I don’t even eat meat but I can still appreciate a good hot dog. But I guess that’s not a good boycott unless Barry is Freegan.
I am glad to see that the Virginia Flaggers admit that they don’t mean what they say.
Best part is how this post is now part of an online newsletter about ice cream. 🙂
I find all this petty and unworthy of debate. Furthermore very uncharitable regarding the old fellow in the picture. But I’ll go further, in spite of the fact I am no fan of RELIGION he lived and died for a cause he believed in and the Confederate flag is proper in his tumb.
The Virginia Flaggers have presented themselves as people of honor and principle. This incident provides an interesting test of that assertion. If that doesn’t bother you, then we know that you devalue those principles and disregard their assertions, and that’s fine by me.
As for “the old fellow in the picture,” blame the photographer … and I can assure you that he did not live and die for the Confederate cause.
In other words, lighten up.
“The Virginia Flaggers have presented themselves as people of honor and principle.”
Where have they so presented themselves?
Are you now denying that they are people of honor and principle? Are you saying that even they don’t see themselves as people of honor and principle?
So it seems. Thanks for the concession.
Zing!
Fish in a freakin’ barrel.
The best part is Chastain thinks she’s being clever.
“Are you now denying that they are people of honor and principle?”
Why, no. What gives you that idea? How is asking you to clarify something a denial? I’m just asking you where they have PRESENTED themselves that way, which is what you claimed. Surely you have a link?
I’m asking because, by my observation, they don’t go around presenting themselves that way because it would be boasting, which is probably against the religious teachings most of them hold to. Besides, if one is truly honorable and principled, the honor and principle will present themselves, and the people won’t have to do any presenting.
Also note, you didn’t say anything about how they SEE themselves. You said PRESENTED themselves. You do realize those are not the same thing, do you not?
Your sycophantic followers may not be smart enough to see your verbal sleight-of-hand, but I do. You’re really not that slick, you know?
I’m afraid you folks don’t read your own propaganda.
I find it interesting, however, that now you say they don’t present themselves as they see themselves. Why not? What are they hiding? Are they ashamed to be honest, transparent, and open?
Moreover, if the Flaggers see themselves as people of principle and honor, why did they violate their own boycott? Are they dishonest? Stupid? Both? You tell me. And why did they broadcast their hypocrisy? Stupid? Boastful? Arrogant? You tell me.
Oh, and please don’t tell me they don’t go around boasting.
You just dug yourself a deeper hole. Perhaps you should reconsider your role as PR person for the Virginia Flaggers. You make it so much easier to highlight how ridiculous they are, especially when you have so much to do with a social media presence that repeatedly backfires.
At least you now admit that honor presents itself, so one can’t restore it. That’s admitting that the famed slogan is illogical. Better bring that up with your heritage peeps.
And, of course, another Chastain lie: “Now y’all understand why my reply will never see the light of day at XRoads, don’tcha?” Why do you lie to your readers? Do you hold them in contempt? Do you think they are stupid? My, my, my. But then they are your fans.
You are the gift that keeps on giving all by yourself. What an April Fool you are. Thanks for playing.
She could split the hairs on a gnat’s ass.
She makes the best of what little she has. At least she thinks so.
“For want of a hot dog, the battle was lost.”
I am going to speculate that poor bathroom scouting by tredegar drone werkz finally led to an emergency “restrooms-are-for-customers-only” situation.
It looks like Barry has a problem…
Barry was simply “off duty” then, too. See, one of the benefits of being a Virginia Flaggers is that you need only be honorable and a man of your word when you are “on duty.” When you are “off duty” you can lie and be a hypocrite to your heart’s content.
I wonder what General Lee would make of that philosophy.
“Four score, and seven hot dogs ago…”
What is truly revealing about this incident is how the Flaggers and their spokespeople addressed it … specifically the claim that Barry “was not acting in an official capacity as a Va Flagger.”
In other words, you don’t have to be honorable when you are off the clock. Only when you are posing for photograph after photograph and thus on the clock … as a “model” who requires a release … are you obligated to keep your word. Once you are no longer on stage performing, you can do whatever you want, even if that means engaging in acts you deem dishonorable when you are on the clock.
I wonder whether Robert E. Lee defined his sense of duty as “on duty” and “off duty,” and that when he was “off duty” he need not behave as a man of honor would be expected to behave. The Flaggers have reduced “honor” to the status of a cab driver’s sign.
All of this suggests that the Virginia Flaggers are Confederate heritage performers, not Confederate heritage advocates or believers. It’s just a job, just an act, just something you do “on duty” … nothing else. After all, when you dismiss evidence of dishonorable behavior as a joke, you mock your own sense of honor … and thus you cannot be surprised when others mock you as well.
Such is the future of Confederate heritage as modeled by “the most powerful and influential Southern heritage organization in existence.” Fine by me.
I wonder if HK went for ice cream with them?
What is amusing is that when it comes to the visit to the ice cream shop, the Flaggers have fallen silent. One suspects that Susan Hathaway was among those who indulged … as well as photographer Judy Smith.
They would prefer to throw Barry under the bus than to address the possibility that the hypocrisy is far more widespread. We already know it is more frequent. But, bless their hearts, it’s all because the Flaggers have to talk about themselves, even if the result is to put their feet in their mouths.
Now watch Chastain go off again. Too easy.
I repeat, “The flaggers have no honor. They do not understand the meaning of the word.”
I wonder how they define influential. Failing to change people’s minds about the confederacy is not influential.
Using facts to teach millions of students every day that the ACW was caused by slavery is influential. I can extend that to say teachers using facts to teach American History to millions of students is influential. Obviously none of the flaggers will be doing that.
All of this dishonorable eating may explain why Andy Hall at Dead Confederates is able to show Lexington has seen economic growth over the last couple of years despite the Virginia Flagger boycott.
http://deadconfederates.com/2015/01/11/happy-new-year-lexington-and-a-happy-old-one-too/
and
http://deadconfederates.com/2014/01/17/checking-back-on-lexington/
Food for thought….;)
Headline: “Virginia Flaggers responsible for Lexington’s economic turnaround”.., Details at 11!
“All of this suggests that the Virginia Flaggers are Confederate heritage performers, not Confederate heritage advocates or believers.”
If, by performers, you mean clowns, you hit the nail on the head !!
The VaFlaggers don’t present themselves, in the sense you’re implying, at all — that is, they don’t showcase themselves, except as people who honor Confederate soldiers. THEY didn’t violate THIER own boycott. ONE GUY ate a hot dog. ONE is not THEY.
But even if he did, so what? Nobody cares but you and your hate-the-Flaggers crew.
If I thought it was important enough, I’d ask them, but I don’t, so I will simply say that it appears to me the boycott is not an official activity of the Virginia Flaggers — not like, for example, the memorial flag project. I suspect the Flaggers know that few boycotts achieve what they aim for (see NAACP and South Carolina) and the boycott of Lexington is more public expression of disapproval than an attempt at economic persuasion. I could be wrong, though, and somebody from the VaFlagger organization is welcome to correct me if I am. But that’s how it appears to me.
In any case, I frankly (no pun intended) couldn’t care less whether Barry ate a hot dog in Lexington. As for honor and principle, I suspect Barry has more in his little finger than you have in your whole damnyankee ancestry (thanks, Shelby Kincaid!).
For three years, you’ve tried to destroy the VaFlaggers as an organization, and nothing you’ve tried, from “disturbing Confederate graves” to Rob Walker, caused even a hiccough of a delay in their pursuit of their agenda.
And you are confused about honor, too, because you aren’t distinguishing between honor as a noun and honor as verb. The honor (noun) that suffuses the memory of Confederates cannot be diminished or taken away. The VMFA refuses to honor (verb) Confederates; the VMFA’s honoring (verb) and respecting Confederate soldiers and veterans is what needs to be restored.
Also, I didn’t lie about your not posting my comments. I concluded that you wouldn’t post them based on your past behavior. You read about my conclusions and decided to post my comments so you could make the false accusation that I lied. Not very honorable. And I’m not the one digging myself into a deeper hole….far from it.
You just keep telling yourself that … and whatever else you need to believe. Trying to talk sense to you is like trying to teach a pig to sing.
By the way, it’s “their,” not “THIER.” And in the phrase “Restore the honor,” honor is a noun. As you note, “The honor (noun) that suffuses the memory of Confederates cannot be diminished or taken away.” So the slogan is nonsense. Thanks for agreeing.
As for your buddies, they violated their own boycott at their ice cream shop, just down the road from where Robert E. Lee enjoys eternal rest. Simply put, they are not people of their word. They are not people of honor, and they are not people of principle … especially when they use a bigot like you as their mouthpiece and social media handler. You are just Matt Heimbach in drag.
Now you are going to blame me for Rob Walker? Susan Hathaway thought he was evidence of the hand of God. Guess she wasn’t too bright. Not was little Trippy Lewis, who befriended him. Are you telling me that the Flaggers are fools? Fine by me.
Now go back to your blog and treat your circle of jerks to a few more tirades. You’re done here. Capisce?
Rather than type up stuff that would pale in imitation to Dr. Simpson’s rather colorful remarks I shall just say, “Right on, Brother!”
Why blame Shelby Kincaid? False accusation.
This is what you said:
“Now y’all understand why my reply will never see the light of day at XRoads, don’tcha?”
You were wrong. Instead of having the integrity to admit that, you rant. “Never”? Oops.
This is not the only time this has happened. You leave a comment, then rush to claim that I haven’t posted it. Well, foolish one, there’s currently a three hour time difference between Florida and Arizona, and, unlike you, I don’t stay glued to my monitor. I have better things to do (and apparently you don’t). You’ve even claimed to leave remarks that don’t show up in my inbox, a tactic emulated by some of your commenters When others point out that the same thing happens with their comments on your blog, you explode and attack their integrity. I just ignore you.
Like you, I decide what comments to post and not to post, and when they appear. I also don’t respond to comments that I’ve deleted, a bizarre practice at your blog. I personally think that Corey’s an idiot for posting at your blog, because you are a fundamentally dishonest person. We all recall when you mishandled your blog, making all sorts of sensitive personal information available. It was Corey who saved you from yourself, while you were convinced that some evil “flogger” was out to get you, all because you were incompetent.
You need to believe that I think and act like you claim I do because that fits your obsessive treatment of me. That’s pathetic. You project your own grievances and hatred onto others, all the while giving us a glimpse into just how dark and bitter your soul is. That’s why your whining about denigration is so funny. Unable to find joy in your own life? You really are a sorry excuse for a human being.
I’ve gratified your desperate need for attention, largely because highlighting your foolishness casts a critical eye on the people you embrace as allies and associates.
Now go back to pleasing your circle of jerks … the crude set of people you celebrate as southern gentlemen. That’s quite an echo chamber you have there, but then all echo chambers are empty. I am perfectly comfortable with leaving the defense of Confederate heritage in the hands of people like you. If you think I’m out to destroy Confederate heritage, my response is that letting you represent it is the surest way to that end.
It must be painful for you to contemplate the sesquicentennial of Appomattox. Best of luck with that.
” As for honor and principle, I suspect Barry has more in his little finger than you have in your whole damnyankee ancestry (thanks, Shelby Kincaid!).”
Ummmmm….is she who backsasses quoting fictional characters that she created and then thanking them for said quote?
How many people are wondering around in the head of she who backsasses?
We know where her head is often located.
Shelby’s a good kid but his prose is riddled with clichés:
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22more+honor+in+his+little+finger%22&tbm=bks&hl=en&oq=&gs_l=
We have discussed CC’s tendency toward plagiarism elsewhere.
In this scene she’s evoking, Chastain envisions Barry Isenhour as an innocent — a pigtailed elementary school student fiddling with plastic jewelry — whose actions are subject to no scrutiny. Chastain plays a bully in Stereotype High’s football gang with a mean temper and a dim sense of honor. “‘The Cobra,’ their best wide receiver.”