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brtmchl · (This post was last modified: 06-10-2013 10:10 AM by brtmchl.)

(06-07-2013 08:54 AM)Laurie Verge Wrote: In analyzing the Lee incident at the altar rail, I have come to think that the priest was the one who created a potential problem. Lee was an Episcopalian, as am I. When the black gentleman knelt at the altar, the priest was obligated to give him communion (unless the man had crossed his arms over his chest to indicate that he had not been confirmed and, therefore, needed a blessing only). When the priest realized (within about ten seconds) that no one else was rising from their pew, I think he should have administered the wafer and wine to the gentleman and not just stood there waiting to see what was going to happen.

To my mind, Lee's actions diffused a bad situation. He could have remained in his pew and done nothing. For us, whose Christian views are so different from those of our forefathers, to surmise that Lee was making an arrogant gesture instead is unsubstantiated and fairly typical of modern culture that tends to put negative spins on everything.

Sorry, I spent 26 years on the organ stool at my church, starting at age 12. And, I spent most of those years under the "old" Episcopal liturgy and beliefs. I am far from being a modern, liberal Episcopalian; I still prefer the dignity of the original Anglican faith, so you will have to pardon my piety.

I think you are exactly right Laurie. This is an example of what great leaders do. On and off the Battlefield.

(06-07-2013 08:23 PM)J. Beckert Wrote:
(06-07-2013 06:40 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote: ...products of their time, this is something one often forgets when judging. And of their circumstances. Developement is one more keyword. To be able to reconsider believes, to learn from mistakes and weaknesses and to try to grow. I think, Lincoln did that, Lee obviously, too.

(06-07-2013 03:00 PM)J. Beckert Wrote: He was probably thinking along the same lines as Sherman. "War is Hell" . I've heard there was a Civil War General who, after the war, always ordered his meat well done as he couldn't stand the sight of blood on his plate. Is that true?

At least they knew what they did, they experienced the bloodshed, not just on the screen or from another safe place. Today warbusiness is much cleaner for those in responsible positions.

Good points, Eva. Lee and Grant were actually there in the mix, unlike today's leaders. Although he's not nearly as popular as either Lee or Grant, Gen. Custer did things many times on the battlefield to inspire his men to fight that should have gotten him killed. A different time and a different breed.

You can't lead from the rear.

(06-07-2013 08:23 PM)J. Beckert Wrote:
(06-07-2013 06:40 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote: ...products of their time, this is something one often forgets when judging. And of their circumstances. Developement is one more keyword. To be able to reconsider believes, to learn from mistakes and weaknesses and to try to grow. I think, Lincoln did that, Lee obviously, too.

(06-07-2013 03:00 PM)J. Beckert Wrote: He was probably thinking along the same lines as Sherman. "War is Hell" . I've heard there was a Civil War General who, after the war, always ordered his meat well done as he couldn't stand the sight of blood on his plate. Is that true?

At least they knew what they did, they experienced the bloodshed, not just on the screen or from another safe place. Today warbusiness is much cleaner for those in responsible positions.

Good points, Eva. Lee and Grant were actually there in the mix, unlike today's leaders. Although he's not nearly as popular as either Lee or Grant, Gen. Custer did things many times on the battlefield to inspire his men to fight that should have gotten him killed. A different time and a different breed.

You can't lead from the rear.