Jerks in History

[Rhatkinson]

Being from SC, we take odd state "pride" in Brooks' beating of Sumner. The cane he used is actually on display in the state museum in Columbia.

I do confess that I've always thought Brooks' comment to Sumner was eloquent for such a rude act. I run an office football pool and do a coverletter of sorts where I try to be funny. I wrote about this last year and though y'all make get a kick out of. Here is what I wrote:

"Sir, you have libeled South Carolina and my relative, and I have come to punish you for it."

And with those words, a well deserved ass beating commenced upon Sumner and his big Yankee mouth. Quick history lesson: In his (subsequently much regretted) speech, Sumner not only lambasted Brooks' cousin, Sen. Andrew Butler, on policy issues, but also rudely made fun of Butler's speech impediment (brought on by a recent stroke - real classy, *****). Brooks doesn't like rude behavior in a man; he won't tolerate it. However, being a gentleman, Brooks at first sought to accord satisfaction on the field of honor, but that plan became impossible when Brooks was advised (properly) by fellow S.C. Rep. Laurence Keitt that dueling was reserved only for gentlemen of equal social standing. Sumner, Rep. Keitt advised, was no gentleman; rather, he occupied "a lower social status comparable to that of a drunkard." You can see the bind Brooks was placed in. He was left with but one choice. [Side note: proud citizens of South Carolina may view the very cane Brooks tapped upon Sumner's head in a place of honor at the State Museum on Gervais Street]