Keith,

I used the term lightheartedly. Richard Flemings' response to Doyle Taylor asserted that the Confederacy was not a legitimate country, because it was not recognized by any foreign powers and "that's why it was called a Civil War". My response was directed at Richard's response, not to Doyle's original posting and so, we're off to the races on a completely different topic, the definition of a "Civil War".

Sometimes it's tough to stay on topic when a slight diversion from the original posting, a desire to discuss the legitimacy of the Confederate government, is diverted by a slightly off target response.

I'm still thinking about how to effectively address Jamie Robert's concerns, which I share, for threads to remain on topic with the original subject. Something like this little exchange, shows how easily we can go off course.

Jim