The American Civil War was the bloodiest conflict the United States has ever experienced. The numbers of Americans that were killed, permanently disabled, or physically and mentally wounded in the civil war are staggering. The American civil war created the United States as we know it today. Whether this is good or bad, you decide for yourself.

Historians have for the most part essentially "re-written" history to give the appearance that the American Civil War was started and fought over one issue, slavery. In my opinion, this is completely wrong. It also desecrates the legacy of many of those who took up the cause of the confederacy, as well as the union. Slavery was America at her worst. The concept of holding another group of people in bondage is beyond my ability to comprehend. But it happened, and in fact continues to happen today in other parts of the world. Revisionist historians would have people believe that anyone who honors the southern soldiers, or the core ideals of those who fought for the confederacy, are somehow equated with another American abomination, the Ku Klux Klan. The fact is slavery was merely a side issue to the civil war. It was an issue, just not the main issue at the beginning of the war. The founders of the United States of America desired the new nation to be comprised of States that would have complete control over their own destiny. They intended the central Federal government to be a small entity with very limited powers. This would ensure there would never be a "monarch" that would rule from a distance and infringe on the individuals (and states) rights. In the early 1800's, many of the southern states saw actions by the central federal government as infringing on state's rights. The vast majority of southern soldiers took up arms against what they believed to be an invasion by an oppressive power, the federal government. The vast majority of confederate soldiers did not care about fighting for slavery. They were too poor to even consider owning slaves. They were fighting for their freedom. They fought and died for the same core values that caused the 13 colonies to fight the British crown. Freedom, Liberty, and the ability to control their own lives without fear of oppression. The soldiers who fought for the union cause believed they were fighting to preserve the United States of America from elements that would rebel and split the country. The soldiers on both sides were willing to fight and die for what they believed in. This legacy has repeated itself over and over, through numerous wars and conflicts in which American fighting men and women have died "doing their duty". All who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice have one thing in common, they have a belief in and a devotion to duty, honor, country.

The issue of slavery was ultimately used as a political poker chip by the northern government. Abraham Lincoln initially refused prodding by abolitionists to make slavery the battle cry for the north. At the beginning of the war, there were instances when northern troops would return run away slaves into captivity by handing them back over to southerners. There were even Union states that were slavery states such as Maryland. It was only after Lincoln realized (well into the war) that by finally issuing the emancipation proclamation, he could politically seal the fate of the confederacy by ensuring the European powers stayed out of the war. The civil war had essentially become a stalemate. The Confederate government was very close to being recognized as a legitimate government by the British and French. The Europeans were interested in obtaining southern goods such as cotton that were not available due to the northern blockade. In order to survive and win, the Confederacy desperately needed weapons and military support from the Europeans. Lincoln knew that if the European powers recognized the confederacy and came to their assistance, it would increase the likelihood that the Confederacy would win its independence. Lincoln also knew that by bringing the issue of slavery into the forefront, this would ensure the British and French would remain neutral. This scenario in fact ultimately came to fruition.

My own personal family history is very similar to many Americans today. I can trace my lineage to soldiers who fought for the north and the south. I have relatives who fought with the Federal 7^th West Virginia Cavalry, as well as relatives that fought for various Confederate Infantry units from Virginia (ultimately as part of the Army of Northern Virginia). My paying tribute to the southern soldier is in no way an endorsement of a separate Confederate States of America, nor an endorsement of slavery. Because the south had slaves, and that was one of the rights they were fighting to preserve, the ultimate outcome of the civil war was the right outcome. However, if it had not been for slavery, I believe the outcome of the civil war may have been different. My tribute to the southern soldier is merely a respect for history, and a tribute to men who were willing to fight and die for what they believed in.

I do believe that unless we learn from history, we are damned to repeat it. I look at the state of the political system in the United States today and I worry that history will repeat itself. Anyone who is vocal about maintaining his or her constitutional freedom to keep and bear arms (as an example) is labeled an extremist that should be scrutinized by the Federal Government. I sincerely believe that today's Federal government is exactly what the founders wanted to avoid. An overgrown bureaucracy made up of pompous self-serving control freaks that would have the American people believe that ONLY the federal government really knows what is best for the citizens. This really is not based on a true belief by most politicians that they in fact are smarter than everyone else, it is merely their way of obtaining power and keeping it. Politicians, whether Republican or Democrat, no longer represent the citizens. Both political parties are equally to blame for the current condition of the political system in this country. They represent special interests, who bank roll their re-election campaigns. Most politicians don’t care about opposing political views in their home districts, they only listen to the people who paid for their particular office. Politicians today do not usually have the courage to vote their conscience and then accept the consequences from their constituents. They prefer to only watch the latest poll and let the polls decide their position for them.

To be fair, "we the people" have helped create this mess. When a 50% voter turn out is called a high turn out, this is a travesty. A lot of good people spilled a lot of precious blood so we can have the freedom to cast our vote. Most people are so apathetic, they don’t want to waste the hour it would take to vote. In all sincerity, I do not generally vote for any particular candidate. I generally vote against a candidate, but at least I vote.

When I look at the current condition of our political system, and the type of people who supposedly "represent" us in Washington D.C., I understand the frustration of my confederate ancestors and their willingness to fight oppression. I appreciate the legacy they leave by their willingness to walk into the face of a cannon firing canister rounds, knowing exactly what it will do to them but still marching forward. The courage and commitment to liberty displayed by my confederate relatives is worthy of tribute. By also recognizing their shortcomings and making sure we learn from their mistakes, maybe we will not repeat the mistakes. Slavery was a horrible practice. Racial discrimination is equally horrible. Anyone who believes that my paying homage to my confederate ancestors, is in any way an endorsement of slavery or racial discrimination, is just as pea brained as the cowards who wear sheets to hide their identity when they burn a cross.

I am positive that there will be those who read this and become angry that I would dare to part with the politically correct way of thinking. To those of you who read this and say that, I say PISS OFF. To those who read this and accept it for what it is, my opinion, whether they agree or not, thank you for your time.