you learn to read, write and speak proper academic language
George,
While I do not agree with all your take on the Civil War, I must say that I find this fellow's remarks the height of smugness and condescension. Does he think you need a college degree to read or think for yourself. My father finished high school AFTER serving in World War Two fighting and killing Japs. My grandfather never went to high school but was quite capable of shooting black Haitians during World War One. I don't know if my civil war ancestors went to school at all on both sides. Does that preclude them from having an opinion. Sounds to me like this guy needs to come down from his ivory tower.
Cump.