The Stars and Bars

   A major cause of controversy among Americans is the continued displaying of the confederate flag in Southern states.  The flag is seen on cars, outside of homes and on t-shirts. The General Lee from the famous show "The Dukes of Hazard" features a huge flag painted on the top of the car. Why, over 150 years after the Civil War, do Southerners still feel the need to fly the Stars and Bars?  I would argue that the reason that Southerns still display the flag is often misunderstood.  It is not a show of continued rebellion or encouragement of slavery, but rather a signal of pride in the ideals of the old South. Of course, there are exceptions and unfortunately, sometimes the flag is flown in racism. However, this is not the norm.  

    Again, so much of the South is misunderstood, including its ideals.  More times than not, students in grade schools are taught that the South seceded from the Union as a result of wanting to keep their slaves.  This is horribly incorrect however, and this unfortunate idea harbors hate of Southerners from others in America.  If you happen to be one of these people who believe the Civil War was caused by slavery, take heart. You're not alone. However, you are wrong. 

    While slavery was in fact a major issue at the time, some had already accepted the idea that slavery was on its way out. The Southern states were more concerned that the federal government was absorbing more power than was within its constitutional bounds. These people loved freedom. They represented an ideal that America was founded on- the rights of states outweighing the federal government's rights. They succeeded from the American government, but they never lost the American ideal of freedom. 

   So if you see a Confederate flag flying, instead of seeing it as a symbol of never-ending hate against African-Americans, see it as a representation of freedom. While I can absolutely understand why many say "the war is over already" and we should just "put the past behind us," the American belief in freedom should never be left behind, and that is what the flag represents. There will always be wars on freedom and if the Revolutionary and Civil Wars should be forgotten, the American ideal of freedom will be forgotten as well. 

The Meat-Eating South

    This past weekend bow season began in Virginia. How it works is bow season comes in almost a whole month before muzzle-loader or regular firearms season comes in. I'm pretty sure people (including my brother, the hunter in my family) practice year round with the bow just so they can get a jump start on killing deer. But that's another story. The start of hunting season just has made me think about how essential meats are in a Southern diet.     The examples are obvious. My teacher, Miss Marconi, (Excuse me, Mrs. Williamson) blogged about "chicken fried chicken" that her Southern chef of a husband enjoys making. Venison jerky and "drunk and dirty"  venison tenderloin are staples in my house.  My uncle owns a pork business. Fried chicken clogs many an artery on Sunday afternoons.  The word "barbecue" means more than a cookout here; it is actually what we eat at the cookout. The list is endless.     However, I believe that meats are popular for a reason: competition leads to improved products. It's the iron law of free enterprise. While the competitions that Southern chefs engage in are quite ridiculous,  delicious meals are definitely made of them.  

    Cooking, grilling and sauteing bragging rights are valued more than children. 
    "You got a deer? Mine's more tender." 
    "My pork ribs fall off the bone easier than yours."
    "Step back son, while I show your uncle how to grill a steak."
    "This is my secret sauce that'll kick ya in the teeth."
    These are all commonly used phrases in Southern kitchens. While this kind of competition may split families, I sure won't be complaining at the dinner table this weekend.