Debate is never intended to change the minds of those who are settled in their comfort zones and hardened in their thinking. Debate is for the benifit of those who are willing to examine the proposition with an open mind, willing to examine the evidence. I known that this all had been discussed millions of times since 1865. But we debate, lest we forget, for there may be someone who has not heard the truth.

I reply not to repudiate anyone, but to place before others a differing point of view. The conclusions can fall where they may.

The only way to correct inaccurate history is to challenge it. The supposition that the American Civil War was fought solely over slavery is a half truth that is an injustice to the clear study of history and even more so is damnable because that half truth stiffles the true debate of the Constitution issues at that time. It is like a smouthering fog.

In my opinion the destruction of the core concept of the Constitution, and the Democratic Republic form of Government that it embodied, which resulted in the fundalmental change of our Government, was the greatest casuality of the American Civil War, no matter what little benefit there was that came out of that war. that is the only thing that comes close to justifing the loss of almost 3,000,000 lives, Military and civilian, as a result of that war.