Oops! I almost forgot?

 

It’s 'Shark Week' (20th Anniversary) on the Discovery Channel.
Forget about it. I won’t be getting anything constructive done.

'Stonewall Steph'

Here is an article that ran in today's FLS about an amazing young lady named Stephanie Mackowsi (age 13), who has spent enough years studying Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stone-wall" Jackson to have earned a doctorate. Her film, "Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville: Triumph and Tragedy," was shown to visitors at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park's Chancellorsville Visitor Center yesterday afternoon. About two-dozen people saw it, and they clearly were impressed. READ ARTICLE.

Gloomy Monday morning in the 'burg

Today is a gray and rainy day here in Fredericksburg. I guess I’ll stay warm and dry at my keyboard and try to get some work done. Before I do… here are some random thoughts as I procrastinate... (And please excuse any typos; I’m only on my first cup of coffee.)

This morning I got a sneak peek at the article that I wrote on “Battlefield Baseball” for the September issue of Civil War Historian magazine. The good folks at CWH did an excellent job with the layout, and I’m very pleased with the results. This 8-page feature, my first to appear in a major CW-magazine, also includes multiple photographs, as well as a detailed table of notable games. I’m hoping that this will open the door to more magazine articles in the future. Of course nobody can keep up with some of you guys, but I would like the opportunity to contribute something “faith” related to the mix.

I just signed and shipped the final contracts for my book on churches back to The History Press. The research part of this project begins this week, and I am very much looking forward to it. I’ll keep you posted from time to time with updates, but for the most part, I’ll be busily gathering materials for the next 4 weeks at each church and the NPS archives.

In the meantime, I started the draft for my latest article in The Free Lance-Star, a feature on the re-enactment group Lee’s Lieutenants. Several members, representing each branch of this outfit, have completed an email interview and whatever doesn’t make it into the article will be posted in its entirety over on my website following the newspaper version’s release. Al Stone’s portrayal of Robert E. Lee will be the main focus, with individuals portraying Mathew Brady (Wayne Ritchie), Chaplain Farley (Alan Farley of the RMJC), Refugee Teacher (Jessie Reter-Choate), and General Trimble (David C. Trimble) adding their own perspectives on the challenges and benefits of being a living-historian.

One last comment prompted by a discussion over on Eric’s blog (in regards to his latest project on the retreat from Gettysburg): Although this book will present a new look at the tactical aspects of the retreat, and will most certainly be an EXCELLENT study (as is anything with Eric and JD’s name on it), I am a little disappointed that the only portion of the wounded’s story that’s getting any attention is the saga of the ‘Wagon Train of the Wounded.’ From what I understand, there was a large contingent of Confederate casualties that was either unable to travel, or unable to make it across the Potomac or Rappahannock. This is a subject that has been neglected IMO with the study of Gettysburg. I understand that it doesn’t fit into the focus of this book, but I would love to know if anyone else is familiar with any kind of study on what happened to these guys. I myself have always been curious about the trials and tribulations that occurred with the evacuation of the wounded from Gettysburg, as well as the differences between the care and transportation of the officers vs. the troops. For instance, how was Kemper treated and ultimately “saved” when his wounds IIRC were originally determined to be mortal, and how many troops died en route to the Old Dominion?

I have always felt that the post-engagement logistics and experiences surrounding those that fell (and survived) would add a new level of understanding about the toll that this battle (and others) had on the ANV. To this day, I am still dying to know how Gordon was able to survive being wounded repeatedly at Antietam. Even our good buddy Ranger Mannie said that specific details on his emergency care (after he was removed from the Bloody Lane) are sketchy at best. We do have the recollections of notable surgeons, and some of the wounded themselves, but I would like to see more. In fact, I always thought that it would be brilliant to write an entire history of ‘a war’ completely from the perspective of the Medics. Their view of the battlefield would be both inspiring and disturbing all at the same time.

Ditto.

"It's not about flag waving to me, it's about showing a real American hero."

- Actor Stephen Lang on his portrayal of "Stonewall" Jackson in Gods and Generals

Sorry for the confusion folks.

I have noticed that a few people leaving comments this week have 'accidentally' posted them in the Comments Section for the entry above. The link for commenting on each post is actually located at the end of the entry, not above/beside the title area. I am somewhat limited in my blog manipulation abilities, and I apologize for the confusion. In essence, that's how it works and unfortunately, I can't move them to another post once they are approved. I treasure and value all of your insights, and I hope that you continue to bless us with them. Thanks again.

CWPT and OCC?

Like many of you couch potatoes who watch the Discovery Channel, I am also a HUGE “American Choppers” fan. I don’t own a bike, nor do I know anything about building, repairing, or riding them. I do have a father who is currently helping a friend restore a classic VW Beetle, and a son who is studying automotive repair and fabrication with hopes of someday working in NASCAR.

 

I posses none of their skills whether it is with a torch, or a wrench, (or anything shiny for that matter), but I do have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for those that do, and I find the guys at Orange County Choppers to be both amazing designers and craftsman.

 

Often the guys at OCC create custom motorcycles for various charity organizations and celebrity causes. This photo is of the awesome New York Yankees bike that they built for Jorge Posada’s Foundation. They also built an amazing "Livestrong" bike for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

 

The other day I was watching “AC” while opening a new mailer from the Civil War Preservation Trust. The package was specific to the “Save The Slaughter Pen” campaign of which I am a very vocal supporter. This got me thinking that the CWPT should contact the Teutuls in regards to building a Civil War History theme bike. This could be auctioned off to raise money for all of the hallowed grounds that they are striving to protect. Plus how cool would that be? I’d love to see Paul Jr. find a way to work a cannon into the mix.

 

It’s just an idea CWPT. Their number is over on the OCC website. Go on, give 'em a call.

"G&G" not so wrong afterall?

Now before you feel the need to chastise me, PLEASE let me begin by saying that I totally understand why many historians and enthusiasts do not like the movie “Gods and Generals.”

I know that it is filed under 'historical-fiction', and I get it. Really. Obviously many of the scenes in “G&G” are based on facts, while others are works of historical-interpretation, speculation, and artistic license. However, for a bible thumping, Jackson idolizing, buff like me, there isn’t a more enjoyable 4+ hours of film that I am aware of. You combine scripture, my town (Fredericksburg), and a bunch of guys in gray uniforms and my attention span belongs to you. And let’s be honest here folks, regardless of one's feelings over the script, Stephen Lang and Robert Duvall are spectacular actors.

Simply put, it’s a good looking-movie that features my hero. Nothing more, and nothing less. In all reality, are any of these war films, including "Gettysburg," 100% spot-on definitive documentaries of the events that they portray? No, but neither was "Glory" or "Saving Private Ryan," which are both IMO tremendously entertaining. Personally, I find Jeff Shaara’s books to be quite enjoyable reads, and I would love to see Ron Maxwell have an opportunity to make “The Last Full Measure,” in order to finish the trilogy.

That said, I was watching CSPAN’s Book-TV this weekend and caught several interesting panel discussions at the 2007 Harlem Book Fair: A History of America. My favorite was a discussion between Walter Mosley and Howard Zinn. Walter Mosley is the author of 28 books, which include mysteries, science fiction, young adult fiction, and political and social commentary. Howard Zinn is a historian, author, and activist who has taught at Spelman College and Boston University. He is also the author of numerous books including, "A People's History of the United States, 1492 – Present."

Each of these gentlemen offered their own perspectives (as differing races) and there were a lot of historical references that supported their points of view. From what I understand, both of these guys are liberals, and I don’t think that we would have much in common politically. Still, I couldn’t agree more with their take(s) on the state of our country’s government, and the realization that the United States is ultimately run by corporations. This has been made painfully apparent in recent years by the influx of illegal immigrants (I mean cheap labor), the decline of the middle class (I mean you and me), and the war in Iraq, (which is lining the pockets of the rich on the blood, sweat and tears of our soldiers.) 

This appears to be one of those startling revelations that everyone is aware of in the back of their minds, yet nobody really takes the time to stop and think about it. How can we, as we are all too busy running to Wal-Mart and standing at the gas pumps filling our SUVs? It is as if we have allowed the integrity of our nation to be sold right out from under us.

My father, who is far more politically and socially aware than I, said that America is ‘de-evolving’ from a Democracy to an Aristocracy. And that is what brings me back to “Gods and Generals"…

One of my favorite scenes in the film depicts the introductory meeting between the then Colonel Thomas Jackson, and Lieutenant Colonel JEB Stuart. As a biographer of both of these men, it was a real thrill to watch them come face-to-face for the very first time, even though the conversation was based on pure speculation and obviously written for drama. Still, one particular line of Jackson's dialogue comes across as almost prophetic.

In it he states that a northern victory by the Republicans will result in "anarchy, infidelity and the ultimate loss of free and responsible government on this continent" as well as "the triumph of commerce, banks and the factory." Hmmm… perhaps "Stonewall" and the founding fathers of the Confederacy predicted the "future America" as being a sacred cow, corrupted by corporate scandal, foreign business monopolies, and the abuse of big government?

Hollywood-dialogue? Sure, but the foundation behind it is historically accurate in the sense that the vision for America by the industrialized North contrasted greatly with that of the South. Many secessionists probably felt threatened by big business' impact on their culture.

Unfortunately, as I look at the shape of the United States in the 21st-Century, it appears that they were right. Corporations DO run this country – ALL of it – North and South. In fact, they run the world. I can’t even remember the last time that I saw a “free and responsible government” on this continent. Perhaps never in my lifetime (I'm 35).

So you see, for all of its historical faults and/or embellishments, “Gods and Generals” wasn’t all wrong. Maybe it should have been titled “Big Business Will Be The Death Of Us.” That would have made it more believable among the masses.

Record-Breaking and Belly-Aching

Most of my fellow baseball fans are probably just as irritated as I am over Barry Bonds’ impending record-breaking of Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record. The media frenzy surrounding this event has added to the sting, and although I do not want to start a debate over the ‘integrity’ of this feat, I will say that Mr. Aaron’s record came at a much higher price than Mr. Bonds’ will.

 

Adding to the controversy is the on-going discussion over Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig’s possible presence (or lack of) not if, but when, this happens. As of today, Bonds still needs three round-trippers to go. And as of yesterday, Selig stated that Hall Of Fame induction ceremony not-withstanding; he’d “try” to be there. (Mr. Aaron will not.)

 

Certainly this is not the first time that a man in Selig’s position has come under fire in the press. From Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis to Bowie Kuhn and Ford Frick, most Commissioners have experienced criticism by the fans at one time or another. Selig’s story is still being written of course, and only time will tell how future generations will remember him.

 

A couple years ago, I wrote a series of mini-biographies for Baseball-Almanac on each of the nine MLB Commissioners. You can read them along with other pertinent data (including timelines and quotes) over at BA.com’s Commissioners of Major League Baseball page. Throughout my own research, I have learned that today’s Commish stands among the most widely criticized of all his peers. I am not sure if this is entirely his fault though, as the modern game is far different from that of his predecessors. As with the study of most historical figures, there are always two-sides to every story. And in order to understand Commissioner Bud Selig, one has to examine both the man and the era in which he served.

 

BUD SELIG

Since its debut during the Civil War, baseball has evolved from a mere recreational activity used by soldiers to pass the time in army camps into a major sporting industry generating millions of dollars of revenue annually. Like any large corporation, there are many positions; both on the field and off, required to keep the business of Major League Baseball running.

 

Beyond the obvious jobs of coaches and players, there are countless support and administrative personnel facilitating the “behind the scenes” aspects of the sport. Since its inception, professional baseball has appointed one top executive, the Commissioner of Baseball, to oversee the entire operation and maintain the integrity of the game. Unfortunately, like most public officials, the Commissioner is often forgotten in times of prosperity, yet the first to be blamed when problems arise. It is a job that requires not only a tremendous love for the game, but an even greater patience for the fans and media. From Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis to Francis T. Vincent, Jr., most Commissioners have experienced disappointment by the fans at one time or another. Still, their legacy is often more positive than negative and all deserve to be remembered as custodians of the game.

 

One man however, seems to have taken this love-hate relationship with the public to another level. Unfortunately, our current Commissioner appears to have inherited a broken version of our National Pastime. “His” baseball, unlike any of his predecessors, has been long-corrupted by big money endorsements, self-centered athletes and performance enhancing drugs. The baseball he was handed to manage is all but a faded shadow from the glory days when players were worthy and the fans treated them with respect. Many purists believe that both classes have declined in the modern game and as a result, much of the blame has fallen back on the Commissioner. This poses the question; why would anyone willingly take on such a role fully aware of the burden that waits? And who would want to? The answer to both questions lies in looking at a man that did: Mr. Alan H. “Bud” Selig.

 

Selig was a successful car dealer from Wisconsin who purchased the fledgling American League franchise known as the Seattle Pilots for a reported $10.8 million dollars. When Milwaukee joined the major leagues in 1953, Bud became a faithful Braves fan and subsequently the largest public stockholder in 1963. Unfortunately, he would later watch his beloved Braves move to Atlanta in 1965 resulting in the loss of both his team and his investment. Recognizing the importance of baseball to his city, Selig later formed an organization dedicated to reestablishing a team in Milwaukee. After several heartbreaking failures, Bud was finally successful in 1970 when a Seattle bankruptcy court awarded the Seattle franchise to the investment group led by him, and the modern-day Milwaukee Brewers were born. Amazingly, Bud's college roommate was Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin and both of men went on to become owners of major league franchises within their own city. Like his political partner, Selig was always active in his community as a member of the board of the Green Bay Packers football team and the University of Wisconsin medical school. He was also the founder of “Athletes for Youth”, a trustee of the Boys and Girls Club, and helped establish both the Child Abuse Prevention Network and Businesses Against Drunk Driving.

 

After being given the position of “Interim Commissioner” in 1992, Bud was officially named baseball's ninth commissioner six years later on July 2, 1998. Following his appointment, Selig's daughter Wendy took over as acting president of the Brewers club and his interest in the team was placed in a trust. First and foremost a fan, Bud entered the position of Commissioner with the same tenacity that had led him in his crusade for a franchise in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, baseball was still reeling from multiple labor disputes and was suffering a steady decline in both ticket sales and television ratings. Over the last two decades, the National Football League had clearly become the most powerful and financially successful sport with professional basketball not far behind. Unbelievably, professional baseball had slipped from a perennial National Pastime to third on the list of popular American sports.

 

From the day he first entered the offices of the executive council, Bud had faced many serious and difficult issues. Initially, he presided over the 230-day strike that wiped out the World Series for the first time in 90 years. Eventually, he was able to help secure a new collective bargaining agreement with the Players Association, but afterward, many disgruntled fans felt that the Fall Classic's cancellation was a major factor in the decline of baseball's popularity. To this day, some believe that the game will never fully recover and may never again reach the romantic heights that it once enjoyed.

 

Some of Selig's other contributions to the game were the implementation of new rules, as well as the institution of addition playoff rounds. Some of these changes were overwhelmingly popular and unpopular with baseball's fans. These included the establishment of Interleague Play which opened up the door for many American and National League teams to compete against one another for the first time in history; the Wild Card system which added opportunities for more teams to participate in the post season; and the validation of the All-Star Game by making it count for home-field advantage in the World Series.

 

Perhaps the biggest threat still faced by the modern game's Commissioner is the rapidly growing dichotomy between rich and poor teams. Few people however, could be as uniquely well-suited to address this issue. As the owner of a small-market team, Selig obviously understands the difficulties that the “Milwaukee's” of the world have going up against financially superior teams like the New York Yankees. This issue will continue to plague Major League Baseball and along with the debate over mandatory drug testing, has turned the spotlight on Bud to fix the problem at all costs. Over the last few years, many fans and media have doubted Selig's abilities refusing to recognize that any of his policies have had a noticeable impact on fixing today's “broken game” Fortunately for him, many others have applauded his efforts and baseball finally appears to be making a slow but steady comeback.

 

So far Bud Selig's legacy has been met with mixed emotions and it seems for every fan that recognizes the benefits of change, there is a purist who denies them. Time will only tell as Selig's term in office is far from being up and many issues still need to be resolved. Fortunately, he appears ready to stay the course and hopefully better days for baseball are on the horizon. Unlike his players though, it appears in many instances, this Commissioner, Bud Selig, “just can't win”.

With gratitude...

How lucky are we historians…

…to live in a country like ours (broken government and all) that allows us the freedom to pursue our passions and interests in a safe and healthy environment?

…to collectively share in such a storied past that invokes feelings of national pride and patriotism?

…to have the honor and privilege to write books, and papers, and postings that complete strangers actually take the time to read?

…to live in the ‘Information Age’ that enables us to instantly post our thoughts, insights, and opinions on the world-wide-web?

…to have the words and accounts of those that came before us, who have passed the torch with hopes that we will be ‘them’ for the next generation?

…to belong to this tremendous CW-blogging community, where historians (both amateur and professional) inspire, educate, and enlighten one another, while simultaneously pushing everyone to do better work?

We may not always agree boys and girls, but to quote our good friend Ranger Mannie, “It really doesn’t get any better than this.” I myself feel very blessed today.

Me and Marse Robert

Our friend Dimitri over at Civil War Bookshelf posted a link to an extremely unusual quiz: “Which American Civil War General Are You?” Of course this is beyond odd, but I couldn’t be happier with my results. You can’t do any better than Robert E. Lee; although the ONLY traits that I have in common with him are the facts that I am also extremely religious, and my hair is starting to turn white (one hair at a time.) When you complete the exercise you are presented with a string of code that graphs your results. (I noticed that there aren’t too many Yankees at the top of my list.)

 

You scored as Robert E. Lee, Honorable and courageous, you've made a career of winning great battles against overwhelming odds. You, um, might want to stay the heck out of Pennsylvania... Robert E. Lee 70% William T. Sherman 55% General Jeb Stuart 50% General Nathan Bedford Forrest 45% General James Longstreet 45% Stonewall Jackson 40% General Phillip Sheridan 30% U.S. Grant 25% General George McClellan 25% General Ambrose Burnside 10% Which American Civil War General are you? created with QuizFarm.com