[Bushforlife]

I do not believe the southern states had a right to secede, and I believe the issue was settled by force of arms. I believe that war to have been a terrible tragedy.

That being said, I admire the men of the south who comprised the southern armies and government. They fought bravely for what they believe. The had great courage, endurance, intelligence, resourcefulness, and honor. The heritage of the Confederacy is indeed worthy of preservation, and MORE than that, to be held up as example of Americans being ready to defend their rights, homes, and country. The people of the Confederacy were, and their descendants are, great Americans.

I live in Pennsylvania. My great great grandfather fought in the Union Army. A year ago, my oldest son [ten then] had to do a school paper on a "Great American" [parochial school. you understand. Nothing great about America seems to allowed in public school anymore]; I suggested Robert E. Lee. He read a good biography and did an excellent paper. We have stood in the shadow of his statue at Gettysburg Park while I have reinforced the greatness of men who fought on both sides that day.

Many in the North would share your desire to preserve that rich heritage.

[Red Phillips]

How was it settled by force of arms? Surely you are not suggesting that might make right.

One thing that really irritates me is people who think it is big of them to concede that States had a right to secede but that the issue has been settled. That is liberal "living, breathing" Constitution crap. If the States had a right to secede, which they did, then they still do. And us Southerners ought to get on about it. Might never make right.

[Red Phillips]

How was it settled by force of arms? Surely you are not suggesting that might make right.

One thing that really irritates me is people who think it is big of them to concede that States had a right to secede but that the issue has been settled. That is liberal "living, breathing" Constitution crap. If the States had a right to secede, which they did, then they still do. And us Southerners ought to get on about it. Might never make right.

[MamaTexan]

I do not believe the southern states had a right to secede,

Federalist No. 39

The Conformity of the Plan to Republican Principles
(For the Independent Journal)
James Madison

Were the people regarded in this transaction as forming one nation, the will of the majority of the whole people of the United States would bind the minority, in the same manner as the majority in each State must bind the minority; and the will of the majority must be determined either by a comparison of the individual votes, or by considering the will of the majority of the States as evidence of the will of a majority of the people of the United States. Neither of these rules have been adopted. Each State, in ratifying the Constitution, is considered as a sovereign body, independent of all others, and only to be bound by its own voluntary act.
(Emphasis mine)

The Founders thought differently.

[T.L.Sink]

Prior to the Civil War the right of a state(s) to secede
or not secede hadn't been determined. At one point many
in New England wanted to secede rather than support
"Mr.Madison's War" (War of 1812). Ten years AFTER the
Constitution was composed Jefferson expressed in some
private letters his belief in "nullification" -- that
individual states could REJECT any measure passed by
Congress! After the Civil War the issue was decided forever
-- states could NOT secede. I have several ancestors who
fought for the Union but I think the Southern heritage
and tradition are honorable and should be examined by
historians (as they have been) objectively and apart
from PC predilections. Although originally from the
North, I now live in the South and I think most sensible
people everywhere view that period of American history
as fascinating and worthy of study and respect.

[varon]

BTTT