You have a very good point. I can't say that I equate the Confederate Cause with our war for independence from Britain, but doubtless there are similarities. Possibly the main differences are in quality of leadership of Washington and Davis... (An aside -- my father was named after the Confederate and Union presidents -- First name Lincoln, middle name Davis..)

It is all hard to get a grip on after all these many years isn't it -- we see it all now, both through the mists of the years, and the illumination of events since.

I do believe the study of these issues is beneficial for us today on so many levels. The war haunts us so, especially we southerners (and I assume you are of this group.. :)

My brother (a diehard SCV member and re-enactor) and I think maybe it has something to do with our DNA, some kind of consciousness passed down through the generations that won't allow us to let go until we understand.

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I always feel that I am in the presence of real thinkers and scholars when I visit this site.

glenda