Clayton Bigsby anyone?

First, thanks fort taking the time to write. It’s safe to say that most books published in the field of Civil War history have had little impact on the broader society. I consider the three books you referenced to be entirely inadequate when it comes to explaining much of anything related to the Civil War. They do appeal to those who continue to maintain a “Lost Cause” version of the war and I suspect they will continue to do so into the future. There have been very important advances in our understanding of the Civil War over the last 20 years that take us way beyond books such as Kennedy’s.

As for the flag, you can no doubt find it being used as a symbol of liberty and freedom, but that does not negate the fact that it was and continues to be used as a symbol of hate. No one has a monopoly on determining the final meaning of a symbol as controversial as the flag and I believe those people who believe it to be a symbol of hate are justified based on the historical facts – specifically the 1950s and 60s. Finally, I have come across way too many distortions of the past by the SCV (specifically in regard to so-called black Confederates) to take the idea of an educational mission seriously. This is not to say that there are not some very smart and honest members who care about the past.

I very much appreciate the invitation to join you at your SCV meeting. Unfortunately, my busy schedule prevents me from doing so. Actually, I’ve attended a number of meetings as a guest as well as speaker. I’ve had different experiences, some good and some bad. I do not “have a bone to pick” with the SCV beyond my questions about how they go about remembering the past and often distorting the historical record.

If the links to the garbage is simply a matter of fund raising problems than that doesn’t reflect well on the SCV. So, we are saying it’s ok to denigrate the Confederate flag as long as it makes us a buck. Thanks again for the invite.

That huge flag in Tampa and other locations are doing exactly what they are intended to do.
Get noticed, and start folks talking. This is my opinion as I have no Idea what is in the hearts of others.
It may very well be a recruitment tool, as you know today’s youth doesn’t seem to have a clue about the war.

As for the “Crap” at links on the S.C.V. web site, One mans trash is another mans treasure.
The SCV is like any other organization, it needs funds to operate.

One thing I hate is to see a Naval Jack with Elvis, or a pit bull in the center. it’s a disgrace.
( Remember the Naval Jack is rectangular )

The Man I spoke with is a former Commander of the Army of Northern VA. SCV. He is an honest and hard working man who truly loves our organization.

I can’t help but feel you have a bone to pick with the SCV. I will extend an invitation to you.
If you are in the area on the 4th Monday of the month, come to a camp meeting as my guest.
Unannounced no mention of blogs books or anything, as an unknown. Sit in on the meeting have dinner With the camp, listen to what is said listen to the evening’s program and judge the actions of the camp for yourself. If you can show me an iota of racist activity I will resign.
Or if you prefer I can make arrangements for you to be the speaker. You won’t get rich but you will get gas money and a sack of peanuts.
The ball is in your court ! And the Ice tea comes with the dinner !

Dave Tatum

I appreciate the follow up. I appreciate the reference to the distinction, but I was trying to point out that it probably doesn’t/shouldn’t make a difference given the symbolism. I find it funny that you would cite the SCV as an example of the proper way to fly a flag. Do you really believe that what is flying over the highway outside of Tampa is appropriate or a proper commemoration of Confederate soldiers. In addition, I urge you to browse the SCV websites. There you will see what they really believe about the proper display of the flag. Most of them link to websites that sell all kinds of crap with the Confederate flag on it. The SCV is the last group that I would consult on the proper display of the flag.

By the way, I don’t drink much at all so perhaps a couple of iced teas will work.

Dave Tatum

Yes, America is a wonderful place.

Ok African Americans have every right to be Apprehensive of the Battle Flag !
As Native Americans have the right to be Apprehensive of the Stars and Stripes.
But just a thought ! The Italian flag has changed since WWII a bit !
Shouldn’t all Americans be Apprehensive of it ? like the Swastika !
What about the flag of Japan ?
Like it or not the flag of Confederate soldiers is here to stay !
But in truth the flag you see in Tampa is NOT the Battle Flag !
It is the Naval Jack. The Battle Flag is square !
Perhaps the flag could be the Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Tennessee,
IF the white bands That represent Gods protection were a bit wider.
It is my opinion that the Battle Flag is flown on the field of battle, not from a building !
The Battle flag has a place at monuments as well.
But to each his own. America ain’t it great ?

Best Wishes to All and God Bless

Dave Tatum

Thanks for taking the time to write. Actually, the flag reappeared in the mid-1950s following the Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education. As you are no doubt well aware it was used by various states as a symbol of defiance against what they believed was unjustified federal intrusion. In other words, your characterization that the flag was hijacked by the KKK and others is simply inaccurate in that it fails to address the full story. You are correct in pointing out that the Confederate flag was rarely seen in public before WWII. The SCV has every right to fly the flag on private property. To suggest, however, that African Americans and others are mistaken in their perception of the Confederate flag as a symbol of hate ignores the relevant history.

The best history of the Confederate flag is John Coski’s _The Confederate Battle Flag_ (Harvard University Press). Coski is one our foremost experts on the flag and a historian at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond. I highly recommend it to you.