re: What kneelers and confederate flag waivers have in common...

No I am saying that the common soldier living in the south had relatively little say in the direction his state went. Then a significant number of the soldiers (on both sides) were paid to fight the war instead of the rich people who had the most say in the direction of their state (and the most at stake on the outcome).

For WWI, I really meant more the soldiers of the European powers who were caught in a giant geopolitical game much bigger than themselves.

I am just saying that I understand why some people have fond memories of their particular ancestors who were confederate soldiers, even though they fought against the US.