Overcoming Southern Culture
More Intolerance From The Left
A Commentary by J. D. Longstreet
I had intended to let this go as the ramblings of an old, tired, man, but, heck, I'M an OLD TIRED MAN myself, and I have more respect for my fellow Americans than to blurt out such offensive remarks on cable television -- or anywhere for that matter. Want to see what has my Southern dander up? Then go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DBE5P-ewkm8
Just so we are clear: I am flat-out against the gun control agenda of the left. To be even clearer ... I'd be against it if I were a northerner, a westerner, or where ever. Geography makes no difference. The Second Amendment is what it is, says what it says, and means what it says. There is no doubt in my mind that the gun grabbers are "infringing" upon the rights of gun owners in America and their efforts are unconstitutional ... period.
Then, along comes Congressman Charlie Rangel of New York and twists the knife with his intolerant remark: "Some Southern States Have Cultures That We Have To Overcome."
Just a cotton-picking minute, here, Congressman! Where the heck do YOU get off telling ME that MY culture is one to be overcome? Hell, we Southerners have been trying to tell you since 1861 that our culture is different and NOT COMPATIBLE with yours!
A hundred and fifty years ago you sent your army down here and raped our women and our land and tried to "Reconstruct" us into an acceptable image of YOUR culture. You have held us in bondage -- at the point of a federal bayonet -- for a century and a half and still you find it necessary to offend and insult us by somehow demeaning our Southern culture as one you must overcome.
It is at times such as these that I fervently wish dueling was still legal.
Apparently it is not enough that my ancestors had to endure a cruel, vindictive, Reconstruction. It would seem that period has never ended for the Congressman.
Obviously, Rep. Rangel feels the South remains in a period of some sort of Reconstruction. I can assure the Congressman from New York that he is mistaken and his demonstration of intolerance of Southern culture was immensely unwelcome, deeply offensive, and acutely insulting to ALL Southerners.
Do what you will Congressman in your home state of New York and your city of New York, but do not -- I repeat, sir -- DO NOT presume to dictate to me and my fellow Southerners a culture YOU and your ilk find acceptable. I may forget that I am a Southern Gentleman for a moment and let slip that many Southerners find YOUR culture, sir, to be detestable.
There remains a chasm between your culture, sir, and mine. It is a divide we haven't the slightest interest in filling. In fact, we consider it a protective moat.
Congressman, you have overstepped. Whether by accident or by design makes no difference. It is a fait accompli and it will not be forgotten. Even the acceptance of an apology from you, sir, is, indeed, in question.
Many seem not to understand the depth of the Congressman's transgression. Simply put it is this: You do not insult The South with impunity! When you attack her culture you are attacking her people.
Culture defines a people. It tells the world who, you as a people, are.
Culture reflects a people's tastes in art and manners and all the knowledge and values shared by those people.
The history, heritage and culture of the Southern people is sacrosanct, Congressman. And you, sir, have violated that sanctity with a callous remark that betrays your lack of respect for millions of Americans residing in the southern portion of the North American continent. That, sir, is no mean feat!
Congressman Rangel, you owe the people of the South an apology. That SHOULD be self evident. Do not perceive this as a plea, a request, or a boon. It is simply a statement of fact.
Be mindful, sir. The manner in which you respond to the ire of the Southern people will reflect mightily on your own culture. Sincerity is advised -- and expected.
J. D. Longstreet
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