The great tragedy of the rebellion is that it attracted not just the dregs of society to its cause, but also many truly gifted and noble souls who should have known much better.
John C. Calhoun - a great but deeply flawed man - was the original Lucifer of the rebellion, and he dragged a number of angels with him.
I like the fact that he would not compromise legislation.
I dislike the fact that he tried to destroy the Union that he had solemnly pledged to defend.
The South was being financially squeezed by the north and the threat of the sudden removal of it's labor force spelled complete financial ruin.
The Constitution is not a suicide pact and if you are indeed 'wideawake', then you need to wrap your mind around that.