Know Them by the Company They Keep (Updated) (Updated Again) 0
The SCV is keeping company with persons who are not very nice, such as leaders of a terrorist organization, for that is what the Klan was (and, to the extent it still gasps for breath, is).
The Mississippi Division of Sons of Confederate Veterans says it wants to sponsor a series of state-issued license plates to mark the 150th anniversary of what it calls the “War Between the States.” The group proposes a different design each year between now and 2015, with Forrest slated for 2014.
Follow the link to see how the SCV is attempting to rationalize their choice by claiming that Forrest later regretted it (which he likely did).
Afterthought:
His regrets do not erase his deeds.
More to the point, honoring him today carries a message, and it is not a message of tolerance and redemption. The SCV cannot be unaware–is likely quite aware–of the symbolism that honoring one of the founders of the Klan would convey.
Addendum, the Next Day:
My approach to history is more economic and sociological than it is “great man” based (“great men” do live to influence events, but they do so only when social and economic currents provide the opportunity; that is why Christopher Columbus is celebrated and Leif Ericson is a footnote).
Plus, growing up Virginian, my schooling on the Civil War was oriented primarily towards the battles of the Army of Northern Virginia under the leadership of St. Robert E. Lee, with a cursory nod towards the Battle of Vicksburg.
So I did not know until Dennis G. pointed it out at Balloon Juice that Nathan Bedford Forest, adulated hero of the SCV, made his fortune buying and selling human beings for a profit.
Addendum-Dee-Dum-Dum:
He continued in the trade nafter the war. Dennis G. does more research.
