Title: Pokerface - The houseband of the Second American Revolution Source:
[None] URL Source:[None] Published:Oct 13, 2006 Author:Pokerface Post Date:2006-10-13 10:25:17 by Lod Keywords:Take, Back, Control Views:144 Comments:16
I like to think that the hosilities just ceased...
It was Robert E. Lee's fault. When the Army of N. Virginia could have gone into the mountains, converted into a guerrilla army and made the occupation and plunder of the free confederacy a monstrously difficult undertaking requiring decades, he chose to surrender at Appomattox instead. In his mind the "honorable discharge" upon the field of battle was the way the war had to be decided.
I guess it was the fault of the whole military tradition of the times. Neither the Vietnamese nor the Iraqis, on the other hand, are burdened with our martial traditions. They know how to run an insurgency.
the law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal bread.
I guess it was the fault of the whole military tradition of the times. Neither the Vietnamese nor the Iraqis, on the other hand, are burdened with our martial traditions. They know how to run an insurgency.
Excellent point.
But Lee knew how we fought to defeat the British...maybe he was just tired of all the death and destruction on both sides.
But Lee knew how we fought to defeat the British...maybe he was just tired of all the death and destruction on both sides.
Probably, and with justification. I guess the South was soundly defeated. The real confederate mistake was permitting what should have been a nationwide conflict between free people and the oppressive central government to become a regional conflict.
the law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal bread.
he was too old and sick to be the leader of a band of starving outlaws.
The prospect of resulting to highway robbery and plunder was unthinkable for him, and he was even prepared to pay for the shoes they intended to commandeer in Gettysburg.
And, after Pickett's Charge he was burdened with a heavy guilt, so much so that asking his men to starve and hide would have been the antithesis of the honor for which he believed he was fighting.
he was also well aware of the savagery that Sherman would visit on women and children had he taken to the hills and played hit and run with The GAR.
The Army Of Northern Virginia was in no shape to serve as guerillas. They didn't have the inspiration or will to serve without (even an over-extended) supply line.
Most would have followed orders of course, but, one cannot hide an army of that size, never mind feed and supply them. Hell, they'd have had to eat their horses, and that would have left them without cannons.
Even a stubby, mountain howitzer (which required no limber) was moved on the back of a horse.
Most would have followed orders of course, but, one cannot hide an army of that size, never mind feed and supply them. Hell, they'd have had to eat their horses, and that would have left them without cannons.
While I agree with most of your post, hiding in the mountains and playing guerrila was not Lee's idea, it was the idea of the men of the ANV. Even after five years of sheer hell, they were ready to fight on.
Gotta love the invigorating effect that a whiff of freedom has on a man.
the law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal bread.
I don't agree with your exact analysis because the south had no resources left at that time and what you recommend would've provided such horrible fighting. the people would've supported the geurilla fighters of the south and the northern troops would've taken it out on the people. and the south was defeated militarilly at that time when lee surrendered.
but Lee did make great mistakes at Gettysburgh. that cost them. the south did a fantastic job fighting the war, but the north had more men & resources by far - that is why they won.
It was Robert E. Lee's fault. I don't agree with your exact analysis because the south had no resources left at that time
Oh, I was being a bit glib. I think it's a damn shame the South lost, but I don't think there was any way the damn thing could have been won. It's taken my 30 years to come to the realization that Lincoln was a tyrant and the Southerners were really freedom fighters in the mold of the First Revolutionary War.
Damn public school mythology.
the law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal bread.
Right or wrong ... I have come to the same conclusion.
"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."
It's taken me 30 years to come to the realization that Lincoln was a tyrant and the Southerners were really freedom fighters in the mold of the First Revolutionary War.
Damn public school mythology.
I've only been awake for the past four years, or so - thanks to algore's wonderful internet and local micro-broadcasters.