The history of the American Civil War has become a modern political tool. Politics has replaced the real history, and this has led to a narrowing of the understanding of the conflict. For example, secession documents and Alexander Stephens’ “Cornerstone Speech” are overweighted in discussions of the causes of the war. Secession is seen by both sides of the political isle as an illegal act, even in the 1860s. Both Republicans and Democrats claim a deified Abraham Lincoln as theirs.

This simplification of the conflict to a war over slavery with the good guys and the bad guys has led to the demonization of 19th century Southerners. It is also not politically correct to suggest it is not that simple. This leads to the senior military officials calling Confederate officers traitors in Congressional hearings, which only solidifies the narrative for the average American. The simplification has led to an effort to purge Southern military tradition from the United States military. Don’t kid yourself. Purging the Confederacy is the same thing.

Like many Americans I have always had an interest in the Civil War. I was proud that our country ultimately emerged from the conflict united again. We were one country with discernable regional differences that were interesting. There was some boasting and ribbing from all quarters about accents or incest, but there was an underlying unity and pride in our shared history and country. We even had a blue vs. grey college all-star football game.

Attitudes have changed so much that there is now a proposal to destroy a memorial to “peace and goodwill” in Arlington National Cemetery. That is how a senior Union veteran characterized the memorial statue in his speech at the dedication in 1914. At our core, we Americans are tolerant people and enjoy real diversity. Thus, it is Un-American to contemplate such a barbaric action. Let the Confederate Memorial that Moses Ezekiel created alone.