Two men villainized for their association with the CSA due to love for their home. Two men who when viewed in their time were very much progressive in terms of their views toward civil liberties. Lee received slaves in inheritance and abruptly granted them their freedom. Jackson received six as a wedding present and is still loved today by their descendants because he personally taught them to read and write and preached to them, even though it was against the law.

The institution of slavery and systematic racism that grew from it is absolutely despicable. While I understand it may be too much to ask, it would be nice if we viewed these men in context and didn't immediately vilify them as a whole. Without men like Lee and Jackson the row to hoe from the 19th century to 21st would have been much greater. Yes they were on the wrong side of the war, but it was due to love of home not saving a despicable institution. Those two are more deserving a statue than Sherman and Grant, but I am sure those protesting the statues wouldn't agree.

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Posted by Rebel

Graceland

Member since Jan 2005

131574 posts

Posted on 8/16/17 at 10:10 am to AwesomeSauce

quote:
Those two are more deserving a statue than Sherman and Grant,

Grant was a slave owner but he gets a pass because he wore blue.

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Posted by Bumble Bee

Northwest, La

Member since Jan 2011

757 posts

Posted on 8/16/17 at 10:47 am to AwesomeSauce

quote:
Two men villainized for their association with the CSA due to love for their home. Two men who when viewed in their time were very much progressive in terms of their views toward civil liberties. Lee received slaves in inheritance and abruptly granted them their freedom. Jackson received six as a wedding present and is still loved today by their descendants because he personally taught them to read and write and preached to them, even though it was against the law. The institution of slavery and systematic racism that grew from it is absolutely despicable. While I understand it may be too much to ask, it would be nice if we viewed these men in context and didn't immediately vilify them as a whole. Without men like Lee and Jackson the row to hoe from the 19th century to 21st would have been much greater. Yes they were on the wrong side of the war, but it was due to love of home not saving a despicable institution. Those two are more deserving a statue than Sherman and Grant, but I am sure those protesting the statues wouldn't agree.

Very well said.

Most people today don't understand the differences in the loyalties of the 19th century and today. Many saw themselves as "Virginians" first (or whatever home state) and "Americans" second. It's why the issue of State's Rights was such a battle back then. But it also explains why men pick up arms to fight fr their home state, much like Lee and Jackson did.

On a personal note, my Great Grandfather served in the Missouri 5th Cav for the CSA as a young boy. My family history is difficult to trace past him because our ancestors didn't trust the federal government and refused to respond to any government census.

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Posted by Speedy G

Member since Aug 2013

3911 posts

Posted on 8/16/17 at 11:13 am to AwesomeSauce

quote:
Lee received slaves in inheritance and abruptly granted them their freedom.

By the terms of the will, he was required to free them within 5 years and waited exactly 5 years to do so. He even went to court to confirm his right to wait those 5 years.

Lee was a great general and served the US Army proudly and honorably before the confederacy. His views on slavery and secession may not be entirely crystal clear, but let's not pretend he was an abolitionist.

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