What About the Army Bases Named For Confederate Generals?

[tymorial]

55. I believe it is more than a far stretch. I find it a preposterous notion.

In the beginning of the civil war, many men volunteered. As the war processed the gross majority were forced into service. This was the case on both sides. To assume that fighting for the confederacy is automatic proof of support for slavery and racism is ridiculous. This is revisionist history by people who sooth their internalized guilt by placing the north in pristine egalitarian brilliance. This flies in the face of historical fact. Many in the north supported slavery. Many believed black people to be inferior. Look at the soldiers and officers who refused to fight along side black men in uniform. I see no suggestions to lay waste to cemeteries where these men rest. Further, how many men on both sides were responsible for families and had the choice between prison for sedition/desertion or go to war and receive whatever meager wage they were provided for their families. Do we know the beliefs of all of these men? How many died within minutes of their first battle?

I wonder how many of these people who propose such ridiculous notions would stand up and allow their families to starve rather than compromise their principles by going to war. Its easy to arm chair quarterback when our cupboards and refrigerators are full of food and we fail to consider the reality of daily life 150 years go.

I totally support the changing of military bases named for unrepentant racists (excellent term). I totally support relocating the various confederate flags from public land to museums and history books. Some of these other suggestions though are the product of emotionalism which has clouded all objectivity logic and reason.