Re: Have You Ever Held A Real Job?

From: kcoultrap@juno.com
Date: Sat, Jun 13, 2009

Hello H.K.,

How are you ? I recall meeting you at Mary Chesnut's old cottage in Columbia, S.C., and the fine discussion we had, along with the wonderful breakfast at the inn with the guests. What a quaint place on the map of southern heritage.

I must say that the gentleman's question is seemingly legitimate from a hard-working white man's point of view, however, if he could acknowledge the efforts you have made that far excede those of many in the Southern cause, he would not feel offended at your involvement, rather he would be proud. His objection seems to be simply racially motivated in regards to you.

I personally found your presence and your fervor for the cause to be more legitimate than many of the same persuasion, and the tireless effort you make oftentimes without accompaniment from others of the same heritage is a shining example of one who keeps their heritage alive and well in the face of danger and unpopularity from the mainstream.

It's one thing to go to a reenactment or camp, only to fire off a few cannon rounds among friends(who pays for that ?), yet quite another to be on a city street and along the roadside to be exposed to danger from drivers-by while receiving abuses from those of your own skin color, and from others of ignorance and hateful disposition. I find the man's question to be motivated by the same assumptions of what you "should be doing" according to one's personal views and prejudices, rather than being of any use to the cause of southern "confederate" heritage. I hope he can make amends for his apprehensiveness toward you in time.

Your Friend, Kenny