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A review by craiggle99
Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause by Ty Seidule
5.0
Much has been discussed in the public sphere over the past 15 years during and after the sesquicentennial observation of the American Civil War about the continued endearment shown towards the losing side in that conflict. Several recent events within our nation continue to bring forth the idea that it no longer is politically acceptable to honor those who were traitors to the United States.
General (ret.) Ty Seidule presents compelling arguments toward that end. The authors small volume, part memoir / part history, is a quick read, but one in which a slower pace might tend to have more of an impact. I found myself re-reading many passages and going back to earlier pages as well as checking out the many noted references.
From his childhood through his teen and college years (he and I were born the same year, and graduated high-school and college the same years), Seidule had developed a respect and “hero worship” of General Robert. E. Lee. From his text, he lays out the history of the 19th century and the drive to both emancipate (from a northern stance) and to strengthen (from a southern…) the ‘peculiar institution’ which we know as chattel slavery from the enforced labor camps (popularly known as ‘plantations’).
Critiques of the Jim Crow law era, to segregation, to continuing voter suppression and details of ‘white supremacy’ rallies, displays for us that the Civil War and its long lasting effects are still with us. Statements by the author such as “Racism is not only morally wrong, but fiscally stupid” and “…economically stupid” drive home a point that has taken over 150 years for complete realization.
I concur with Ty… statues venerating traitors, army bases name after traitors, and holidays honoring the memory of traitors must end and be relegated to museum installations, not the public square.
General (ret.) Ty Seidule presents compelling arguments toward that end. The authors small volume, part memoir / part history, is a quick read, but one in which a slower pace might tend to have more of an impact. I found myself re-reading many passages and going back to earlier pages as well as checking out the many noted references.
From his childhood through his teen and college years (he and I were born the same year, and graduated high-school and college the same years), Seidule had developed a respect and “hero worship” of General Robert. E. Lee. From his text, he lays out the history of the 19th century and the drive to both emancipate (from a northern stance) and to strengthen (from a southern…) the ‘peculiar institution’ which we know as chattel slavery from the enforced labor camps (popularly known as ‘plantations’).
Critiques of the Jim Crow law era, to segregation, to continuing voter suppression and details of ‘white supremacy’ rallies, displays for us that the Civil War and its long lasting effects are still with us. Statements by the author such as “Racism is not only morally wrong, but fiscally stupid” and “…economically stupid” drive home a point that has taken over 150 years for complete realization.
I concur with Ty… statues venerating traitors, army bases name after traitors, and holidays honoring the memory of traitors must end and be relegated to museum installations, not the public square.