I apologize for any offense this posting or the inclusion of the service record might have inferred. I had just deleted two postings that included clear political messages, critical of one of the candidates. Knowing that the current election is on everyone's mind, I thought it might be worthwhile to steer any comments on the candidates or the election back to the topic of this site.

I feel any posting of historical documents relative to current celebrities or political figures is within the scope of this site. I could just as easily and will post the service record of one of Barack Obama's ancestors, G. W. Overall of the 7th Tennessee Cavalry (CS). I would not do this with an intention of adding to or detracting from the character or reputation of either of the candidates.

In addition, I've wondered why we don't discuss an issue that "should" be of primary interest to our group. Where do the candidates stand on historic preservation? Have either of these men made any remarks about their support of the National Battlefield Parks or funds for their continued operation and growth? I would presume, from his military background, that Mr. McCain would be the candidate more likely to honor our military past and its participants, but I have no quotes or official statements to back that up. Who knows, but with some of Barack Obama's "New Deal" style views he might fill the parks up with CCC or WPS type workers?

Though this topic is politically charged it is appropriate for this site.

If others would like for me to remove the "W. A. McCane" service record, please let me hear from you along with your reasons and I'll act based on your comments.

Thanks George, for your posting and your concern. I think I've made very clear my beliefs and political views in the past, so I'm sure no one could misunderstand who I am supporting in the current election.

Additionally, I have a couple of ancestors who have the term "deserter" included in their service records. One was misidentified, as such, and received a post-war Confederate pension. The other was a six-month member of an occupying Kansas regiment in Western Arkansas, who apparently joined up temporarily to save himself and his family from marauding irregulars on both sides. At the first opportunity, he deserted this Union unit and fled to the Indian Territory to join his mixed-blood Cherokee family members, who were ALL members of Stand Watie's 1st and 2nd Cherokee Mounted Volunteers.

Jim