I like to read about the Civil War. I say that because I don't want the reader to assume I am any kind of expert on the subject. Having lived in the South for the greater part of my life, I got to see how deeply the life long Southerners believe in America, and in those principles our founding fathers put down in writing so long ago. It's gratifying and uplifting to see real "Americana" in action.
As I read, I study all the philosophical issues leading up to the split. I realized that some "physical" realities are very different today. True, the South lost, but would they lose if the war was fought today? It's an interesting question.
Today, much the industrial complex that the North used to defeat the South is gone, 'sold off' to foreign countries who offer cheap labor (for lousy products). The army is filled with Southerners, today, who chose the military as a career, while the wealthier Northerners have no time for the military because it would interfere with their "play-station" time. Southerners were tough then, but they are tougher, today. They work hard, mind their own business, go to church on Sunday, and take pride in their families and their communities.
Northerners are fatter and lazier. They live in large, packed cities, where they worry constantly about what political machine is going to take over next or who is going to rob them; or break into their house to steal their "stuff". Thanks to bussing and working parents, Northerners have lost their sense of community. For the most part, their Community appreciation doesn't extend beyond their own property line. Few know their neighbors.
Weapons are spread evenly throughout the country, maybe even in greater quantities in the South where much of our weapons manufacturing is carried out. Southerners know how to use those weapons, too. Many were raised as hunters, sometimes because wild game was the only meat they could afford.
And, for the most part...Southerners are really, really, pissed about what's currently going on in Washington DC! For the most part, the Southern man still believes in God and Country. He can live with right to work laws because he's (includes 'she's) happy that formerlly Northern based companies are moving to the South, providing employment opportunities for him and his family. The Southern man or woman still believes that you should put in a hard days work for a good days pay. Unions, for the most part, go against their grain. Costs are lower here, and most people still know their neighbors, whom they see every week at church. For the most part, I'd include the middle states in my grouping of the South. Those states control the bread basket of our country, and right now, due to extensive flooding, they are hurting spiritually. But Southerners are a resilliant lot. The will work hard at rebuilding, not whine about why they need a free ride from the government. They'd rather work harder and rebuild their homes and their spirits, then feel obligated to somebody in Washington.
Things may turn out differently this time around.
As I read, I study all the philosophical issues leading up to the split. I realized that some "physical" realities are very different today. True, the South lost, but would they lose if the war was fought today? It's an interesting question.
Today, much the industrial complex that the North used to defeat the South is gone, 'sold off' to foreign countries who offer cheap labor (for lousy products). The army is filled with Southerners, today, who chose the military as a career, while the wealthier Northerners have no time for the military because it would interfere with their "play-station" time. Southerners were tough then, but they are tougher, today. They work hard, mind their own business, go to church on Sunday, and take pride in their families and their communities.
Northerners are fatter and lazier. They live in large, packed cities, where they worry constantly about what political machine is going to take over next or who is going to rob them; or break into their house to steal their "stuff". Thanks to bussing and working parents, Northerners have lost their sense of community. For the most part, their Community appreciation doesn't extend beyond their own property line. Few know their neighbors.
Weapons are spread evenly throughout the country, maybe even in greater quantities in the South where much of our weapons manufacturing is carried out. Southerners know how to use those weapons, too. Many were raised as hunters, sometimes because wild game was the only meat they could afford.
And, for the most part...Southerners are really, really, pissed about what's currently going on in Washington DC! For the most part, the Southern man still believes in God and Country. He can live with right to work laws because he's (includes 'she's) happy that formerlly Northern based companies are moving to the South, providing employment opportunities for him and his family. The Southern man or woman still believes that you should put in a hard days work for a good days pay. Unions, for the most part, go against their grain. Costs are lower here, and most people still know their neighbors, whom they see every week at church. For the most part, I'd include the middle states in my grouping of the South. Those states control the bread basket of our country, and right now, due to extensive flooding, they are hurting spiritually. But Southerners are a resilliant lot. The will work hard at rebuilding, not whine about why they need a free ride from the government. They'd rather work harder and rebuild their homes and their spirits, then feel obligated to somebody in Washington.
Things may turn out differently this time around.
No comments:
Post a Comment