(Georgia) House proclaims 2007 the Year of Robert E. Lee

Savannah ^ | January 25, 2007 | Walter C. Jones

[SWEETSUNNYSOUTH]

Georgia needs to be commended for honoring a true American and southernor. His life is an outstanding example for all.

[James Ewell Brown Stuart]

I think Gettysburg was a shift for Lee between the army he had before Stonewall Jackson died and what the army he had after.

The invasion came to quickly for him to reevaluate Hill and Ewell accurately.

What he did not understand was their fierce reputations as fighters was due to the iron control Stonewall Jackson exercised over his division leaders.

That is not to say that AP Hill's reputation as a fighter from the Seven Days was not earned. He consistently was Lee's top fighter in the battles around Richmond.

By the time of Gettysburg, Ewell had lost a leg and his nerve. It happens. But at Gettysburg even Early lost his nerve. This lack of leadership has to do with the loss of Jackson. They were not used to making command decisions. They were used to being told what to do.

By the end of the battle, Lee was able to judge very accurately his generals and his leadership style changed considerably.

I don't think it is wise or prudent to judge a war on a single battle. That is not to say that wars can't swing on a specific battle. They often do. Gettysburg was not that battle for the Army of Northern Virginia Chancellorsville was.

But Lee's leadership is much more than Gettysburg. I think how he conducted himself after the war has much to say about his character.

I know that the usual subjects will be along shortly and the thread will deteriorate into another endless debate on the Civil War, but I do like to discuss battle strategy and things like that with Freepers because I learn so much. So any thing you would like to discuss, I would like that.

You are right that the war came crashing down around him. He could not get his army fed. He could not convince the Confederacy Congress that the army had to be fed. The head of the Railroad was in the pay of the Union and did all he could to make sure that ammunition, clothing, and foodstuffs were delays. He watched his troops waste away.

Lee could not fight the whole world.

[Caipirabob]

Now I want to watch "Gods and Generals" again. Love that theme song, touches my heart...

[James Ewell Brown Stuart]

Now I am going to have to listen to the soundtrack.

[stainlessbanner]

The opening scene in G&G is awesome - the beautiful flags and music. I can pass on Ted Turner singing Bonnie Blue < grin >.

[VanDeKoik]

200 years?!

I must read too much American history. It just doesn't seem like time has moved that far along.

[inkling]

I'm not sure if you read my explanation. I believe Lee was an excellent general, just not the greatest (as he is often treated). I'm sure you'd agree that outside of Washington, Lee is the most venerated.

And certainly no one regards McClellan, Meade, Burnside or Hooker with much respect at all. Therefore, they aren't overrated in the slightest.

[James Ewell Brown Stuart]

While I was listening to the soundtrack...it brought tears to my eye. That and the track where Jackson's coffin is returned to VMI. That is another tearey moment.

[James Ewell Brown Stuart]

Who do you think was the greatest general?

[Republican Red]

I was a GA State employee for years. The reason most of the black lawmakers didn't fight the proposal, in my opinion, is because they don't want to jeopardize a state holiday. As the article mentions state employees get three Confederate holidays off (one is "celebrated" on the day after Thanksgiving). The black population of state employees is quite large, it might even be a majority. Don't mess with their days off.

[ArrogantBustard]

Reps. Brooks and Williams are acting as gentlemen in this matter. That's commendable ... and rare.

[stainlessbanner]

That is a touching moment. I'm going to watch again tonite, y'all convinced me.

[James Ewell Brown Stuart]

If you fast forward and only watch the scenes that have to do with Jackson... in my opinion only... it is a much better film.

[stand watie]

YEP. and our dixie ancestors would have EVENTUALLY won our freedom from the north.

it might have taken 20 years, but the south would NOW be free!

free dixie,sw

[inkling]

That’s a tough one since it really is comparing apples to oranges. Different wars require very different skill sets. Washington was perfect for the underfunded guerilla campaign, Andy Jackson for the self-reliance and problem-solving skills needed at New Orleans, and Eisenhower for the political acumen to get so many disparate parties to fight together in WWII. Patton’s temperment was perfect for tanks, but would have failed miserably in George C. Marshall’s role. That’s why choosing a favorite often falls to personal preference.

There are many greats, but my personal favorite is Grant since he reinvented warfare when nearly all his peers were looking to the past for guidance. As I said earlier, his personal character was nothing compared to Lee's (or even McLellan!), but he was more effective. And warfare was never the same after him.

[ctdonath2]

Now THAT is tolerance!

[stand watie]

and your QUALIFICATIONS to rate officers (and not just the peerLESS Robert E Lee)are???

"fess up", you have NONE, am i not correct????

so your opinion is just that = GROUNDLESS, fact-FREE, ignorant, personal OPINION.

opinions are like "bellybuttons". everyone has one.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Another icon of the Old South - the Confederate battle flag - remains a source of debate in Georgia, even during last fall's campaign as "flaggers" protested Gov. Sonny Perdue for not putting it back into the design of the official state banner.

No, thanks to Boortz they are called "flaggots."

[ctdonath2]

Georgia House Resolution 28