For those of you who may or may not be offended by the black history month concept. I have decided to honor all history related to AMERICANS… Regardless of status of residence, feelings about our beginnings as a nation. We must recognize the men/women that I honor this month played a huge role in shaping our nation. I will start with the Civil War era. (Yes I could start at the very beginnings but I chose to start with the civil war because that time has been so thoroughly rewritten from the facts it’s laughable) Since Abraham Lincoln already has at the very least a day set aside for remembrance. (Although it’s lumped in with ALL and not given a day to himself such as MLK day) I’ll begin with one of my favorite historical figures. Gen Robert E Lee:

Originally opposed to Confederacy, considering the dissolution of the Union a calamity, Lee turned down an offer to lead the Union army and joined the Confederacy when his home state of Virginia seceded. A brilliant tactician, Lee exhibited success against Union forces but lost the overall strategic battle and surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.

(born Jan. 19, 1807, Stratford, Westmoreland county, Va., U.S.—died Oct. 12, 1870, Lexington, Va.) Confederate general, commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, the most successful of the Southern armies during the American Civil War (1861–65). In February 1865 he was given command of all the Southern armies. His surrender at Appomattox Courthouse April 9, 1865, is commonly viewed as signifying the end of the Civil War.

One of the most recognizable of all confederate era leaders. Robert E Lee was a man of honor, character and southern virtue. He believed with all his heart the rights of the state outweighed the rights of the federal government.

I’ve often had discussions about the reasons for the civil war. My opinion of the reasons are best summed up by looking at today’s issues;

In the days of Robert E Lee, slavery was the way of the world. It was as common as the internet now. America was a fledgling nation, Europe, Africa and in large part the entire world used slaves as a means to create wealth and better the status of men (If you were a slave it was tough luck..) Slavery made many rich, including BLACK people in the south as well in Africa.

The Federal Government basically decided that ALL states must abide by this new law stating slavery was to be abolished in the nation, without a plan to replace it. This was ONE reason not the only reason. But we’ll give the benefit of the doubt to the racist implication since it’s black history month:

Today’s issues: We’ll use Illegal Immigration as the issue: Lets say that the Federal Government decided to open the borders with Mexico and allow unfettered access, to increase the labor pool of the nation. AZ, Tex, NM, All decided to fight this action and they battle in courts. The states lose in courts and decide to leave the union and create their own nations which will BLOCK all Illegal immigration to the America from the south.

Many states join AZ, Tex and NM against the federal government…. Well, the fight lasts years and many die. But the federal government wins and the states aligned against the feds surrender. What will history say about the rebels? They were racists and wanted to keep poor Mexicans from coming to America and bettering their lives…This is what happened to the Confederates. Those who win the fight write the history.

Robert E Lee picked a side, left a comfortable existence and instead chose to fight for what he believed in. States have the right to make their own decisions on governing their citizens. He fought gallantly, he showed courage and compassion during his time and should be remembered for his efforts to STAND against all odds with like minded men.

Read more about Gen Robert E Lee

Next up: A Black Confederate tribute.