Hi George,

I think what you are talking about includes both a sincere interest in history AND a political interest in history. Such issues like the Confederate flag in modern society, Confederate monuments, and schools named after Confederate officers, are all modern political issues. They have less to do with what happened in history and more to do with how people today perceive them.

I don't have a problem with people wanting to protect various elements of Southern history in modern society (unless that defense incorporates bad history). But I do hope people realize how studying history and becoming involved in modern political debates over ideas of "heritage" do diverge.

I won't disagree about there being conflicts, and sometimes double-standards, in America about various historical people, events, etc.

Now, does this make you a "neo-Confederate"? I don't know. In some ways it might, but in other ways maybe not. I do not think that term is inherently bad or negative---any more than someone being called a "Liberal" or "Conservative," (although, these can also be taken as insults). Yet, I don't actually like the term "neo-Confederate," and I don't believe I have ever used it, because I don't think it really has a good definition. I agree with Jim on many negative aspets of the phrase, but I also know that it has been used for less vindictive reasons. Anyway, I won't call you a "neo-Confederate"...unless you want me to. :)