Writer showed lack of knowledge
Jun. 8, 2011
The only thing more offensive than Joseph King’s recent letter is that he attempted to elaborate on something of which he obviously has so little knowledge. If he is so offended by the Confederate Flag, perhaps he should do more research and see exactly which flag flew over the ships carrying slaves to market.
To say the War of Southern Independence was over slavery is to believe that these two countries went to war over something in which they did not disagree. Having been married to the same woman for 35 years, I have discovered that we never argue over issues on which we agree. Likewise, governments don’t go to war either. Southern and Northern historians agree on the fact that neither Lincoln nor his cabinet had any interest in abolishing slavery. In a letter to Horace Greeley, Lincoln said:
"If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union, and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union."
The Southern people have no reason to ashamed of their heritage.
Robert Powell, MontgomeryCopyright © 2011 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com