The problem is nobody outside our small circle cares. We are a band of brothers and sisters divided by a 140-year-old conflict that we harp on incessantly because it's entertaining and informative. However we are now in the position of looking back at out forefathers, blue and gray, and asking: "at this moment in time, what are we about?"

Like it or not, they have passed us the baton, and we have to decide to carry it forward or toss it in the trash. I look back on my early MA / VT ancestors and revere them for their blood sacrifices in the Rev and the WBTS. I see no less commitment on the Southern side. Are we still about that then, or what should we be doing now?