The joy of se...

Secession:

The events include a “secession ball” in the former slave port of Charleston (“a joyous night of music, dancing, food and drink,” says the invitation)...

One of the secessionists:

“We’re celebrating that those 170 people risked their lives and fortunes to stand for what they believed in, which is self-government,” [Jeff Antley, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Confederate Heritage Trust,] said. “Many people in the South still believe that is a just and honorable cause. Do I believe they were right in what they did? Absolutely,” he said, noting that he spoke for himself and not any organization. “There’s no shame or regret over the action those men took.”

Self-government for white people. And this asshole can't even bring himself to regret what secession brought! He calls it a just and honorable cause! To keep other humans in bondage...

For some reason out of thin air, these words echo:

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.

Homage to treason is not treason, but no one should forget that the Confederate defenders of slavery committed high treason and brought incredible pain and suffering on their nation, black and white.

Update (12/2): Ta-Nehisi Coates quotes the Confederates to the neo-Confederates.

Trade you Sharpton for O'Reilly, Malkin, Limbaugh, etc.

Ta-Nehisi Coates wonders why we still listen to Al Sharpton. Good question!

Still, it's hardly a reasonable place to start asking that question. Rev. Al has been wrong about lots of things, about Tawana Brawley the most viciously. But he's a piker compared to practically any wingnut pundit bloviator.

Why does anyone still listen to the entire Fox network, to Limbaugh, Hugh Hewitt, David Broder, or a thousand others? They obviously couldn't find their often ample asses with both hands and a map, yet the elite media keep thrusting them at us instead of finding better analysis.

So, by all means, leave Rev. Al to talk to himself - it's my guess he won't try silence - and find someone fresher and more likely to make a valid point. But while you're firing idiot pundits, make a very long list.