Prattville Dragoons November Camp Meeting

The Dragoons held their monthly camp meeting on Thursday night, November 8th at the Shoney's on Cobbs Ford Road.  It was a great crowd of nearly thirty folks. Following an opening prayer by Chaplain Snowden and the flag pledges, announcements were made by Commander Booth.  Special guests were recognized and there were a number of ladies present, always a pleasure. The Tallassee Battles for the Armory reenactment is being held this weekend including today, Friday with a school day with tours and presentations.  December 1st is the Prattville Christmas parade at 4:30 and the Dragoons will have a float and marchers - please join the festivities tossing candy and SCV coins to the children lining the parade route.  December 14th is the Dragoons Christmas social at Buena Vista with festivities starting at 6pm and dinner at 7pm with the program wrapping up by 9pm. Linda Davis with the Cradle of the Confederacy UDC announced they were selling CDs and song books to help raise funds for preservation of historic UDC documents; Mrs Davis played the CD during dinner before the camp meeting and songs include Dixie and Taps instrumentals. Pat Godwin was introduced as the guest speaker as one of the sterling defenders of Confederate heritage in Alabama, President of the Selma UDC chapter and founder of the AL Division Order of Confederate Rose.  Pat provided an update on status and progress in the renovation of the Live Oak Cemetery Confederate Circle including replacement of the bust and enhancements to the Gen.N.B.Forrest monument.  Lawsuits and legal action if prevailing currently.  Todd Kiscaden has lawsuits filed against the City of Selma and the Police Chief for losses incurred in the fiasco which halted the renovation work.  Pat has accused "domestic terrorist" Rose Sanders of criminal mischief and vandalism and is attempting to get her arrested but despite evidence of and witnesses to these crimes, she appears to be immune to legal recourse in Selma.  Sanders actually has brought suit against Pat for defamation and losses incurred because of her publicly labeling her a "domestic terrorist"; Pat explained that the Patriot Act defines a domestic terrorist and the description accurately characterizes Rose Sanders and the harassment, theft, vandalism and endangerment she and her hired croneys have choreographed in interrupting the renovation work at the Confederate Circle.  She explained that these actions by Sanders have been a diversion to distract authorities from the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the felonious theft of the Forrest bust; a suspect, an associate of Sanders, has been identified by informants.  But Pat indicated that Rose Sanders has largely lost her base of support as evidenced by the very poor showing of numbers for the demonstrations at the cemetery and for a march across the bridge where 300,000 people were called for by Sanders and 45 people, including just a half dozen blacks, actually showed up.  Nonetheless, the lawsuits against the City of Selma and the Police Chief are evidence that Sanders has protection from the local government officials if not support from the general public.  Pat provided details on the Selma city councils vote to suspend work on the Confederate Circle renovations.  Work was halted until evidence can be produced as to the ownership and deed for that area of the cemetery.  A compilation of historical news reports dating back to the late nineteenth century provide evidence of the origins of the Confederate Circle and original Monument but Pat is continuing her search for additional legal documents proving ownership by the UDC.  This despite proper building permits and Certificates of Appropriateness having been obtained prior to the construction and renovation work. The Friends of Forrest established by Butch and Pat Godwin have Forrest T-shirts and monument pavers available which are to help with legal defense and the completion of the memorial enhancements.  She encouraged everyone to write letters to the editors of the Selma Tomes-Journal, the Montgomery Advertiser, and the Prattville Progress endorsing the Confederate Circle renovations as a promotion for historical tourism and honoring American verterans. 

A Sad Day for Individual Liberty and Freedom and States Rights

From a past Dragoons camp commander:

Not all is said and done. Yet has to come the realization to the American people, that again the worst choice ever has been made. What does it take to understand Marxism and communism?  Look back to Germany when Hitler received most of the votes and was elected; and what happened ever after that. It seems that all dictators are very sneaky. It's like a worm inside an apple, raising havoc til it is too late. Too bad for this Country and most of it's people that we will continue on a path of destruction of our great Constitution.  This could be the worst day in American History, unless it was the day Abraham Lincoln took office.  Don't forget.  Pray without ceasing  for our Country and her people.

And a response:

Interesting the Hitler comparison because the local radio talk show host this morning made that exact same comparison.  Just because someone was elected doesn’t make him the right choice, it may mean that the majority made the wrong decision.  Unfortunately, I believe there are two issues.  First, everyone deep down wants an easy handout.  A candidate said the other day (paraphrasing), “The economy is improving but we have a long way to go and I won’t quit until everyone who wants to work has a job.”  See anything wrong with that statement?  It used to be that anyone who was able to work should have a job.   So first, there is an entitlement mindset that has evolved into a way of life for 40% or more of Americans.  Secondly, you mentioned Marxism and many pundits during the campaign mentioned socialism.  The majority of younger Americans, largely due to the terrible public education they are receiving today, have no clue, no understanding about what that means.  Socialism is not a bad word today.  McCarthy isn’t studied. Could you imagine American involvement in a Vietnam conflict today? There would be no stomach to send one warship to defend a political system of freedom rather than communism.  The rise and fall of the Russian empire isn’t studied.  China means cheap game systems to Americans today.  They have no knowledge of Tiananmen Square.  Liberty is a vague unintelligible  concept.  A government check and a reward for having more illegitimate babies is the foundation a growing minority of Americans desire.  40% of babies today are born to unwed mothers.  The foundation of American greatness, the family, is crumbling because of laws enabling these fractured families, enabling independence to pursue happiness in one’s life rather than sacrifices for the future and betterment of one’s children.  The young today have no inkling as to the sacrifices of the greatest generation of America let alone their forebears of the 18th and 19th centuries.  They believe that America will always be there and always provide for their well-being/welfare.  But as many have warned, the day of reckoning may be soon at hand and the austerity measures many European governments are dealing with or facing may hit the shores of America.  Biblical concepts of self-reliance and absolute morality and Constitutional concepts of self-determination and liberty are ancient obsolete words on parchment. I was very sad this morning for my children and the diminished opportunities they will have in this country.

VOTE

Today, November 6th is election day.  Some have said this is the most important election of our lives.  It is.  Some say there is no difference between the Republicans and Democrats and the parties.  That is uninformed ignorance, an excuse, a reneging of the responsibility of your civic duty.  Or biased blindness. While each party has utterly failed in preserving the founders Jeffersonian principles of limited government, the United States electorate has a clear choice between capitalism and socialism.   Between liberty and responsibility as opposed to an entitlement welfare state.  Judeo-Christian morality versus progressive relativism.  A degree of constitutional limited government and states rights versus an ever expanding federal intrusive strong arm.  One party believes we must reform social programs for future generations whereas the other party believes exploding debt and deficits will solve any problem and line the pockets of their political and organized labor croneys to create a ruling proletariat.  One party believes in reduced bureaucracy and regulation and paving the way for entrepreneurship and businesses to start and thrive, to unleash the US economy to again be the preeminent economic superpower.  One party believes in a diminished United States limiting the development of our natural resources and creating oppressive government taxes and regulations while picking their favorites in an attempt to declare winners they favor.  In the 150 years since the War for Southern Independence it is striking the transformation which the Republican and Democrat parties have undergone.  Obama likened himself to Lincoln (http://video.foxnews.com/v/1113088245001/obama-compares-himself-to-lincoln/) which at first blush seems to be narcissistic and absurd. But just as Lincoln believed in the supreme authority of the federal government, so too does Obama and believes it to be the only solution to every societal ill, issue and problem. (Interesting other similarities were both were Illinois lawyers and campaigned with characterless irresolute political positions, Obama abstaining on any vote which could brand him in his short-lived legislative career before seeking the Presidential nomination and "(Lincoln's) strategy (in running for the Illinois state legislature in which) he issued no platform statement, made no promises, and gave few speeches. Instead, he shook hands, told jokes, and visited nearly every family in the county. (http://millercenter.org/president/lincoln/essays/biography/2)"  The Democrats of the antebellum South wanted to preserve their agricultural industries which prior to the advent of mechanized farming largely required labor intensive methods which resulted in the propagation of the institution of slavery. But Lincoln too believed in the superiority of the white race and while paying lip service to abolitionists, sought to deport all freed slaves as he believed whites and blacks could not coexist in society (http://afpakwar.com/blog/archives/2600).  Socialist federal policies seek to enslave the populace to a lifetime of dependency and suppressed achievement on a federal government plantation (http://thehill.com/video/campaign/186701-cain-says-he-qleft-the-democratic-plantation-a-long-time-agoq).   Republicans today are the party espousing a return to individual liberty and states rights whereas in the 1850s and 1860s it was the Democrats.  Conservative minorities are highlighting the racism inherent in the Democrat demagoguery and proving that the American dream is still possible in the face of the obstacles the government imparts.  This election is important.  Vote today.  If you reside in what has been identified as a swing state, VOTE and ensure all of your like minded friends and family VOTE too.  May God bless our country and give wisdom to the electorate to make the right decision to save our country.

Prattville Dragoons Commander's Column from the November Camp Dispatch

150 Years Ago This Month - and Christmas Parade

      The territory of New Mexico saw action during the War Between the States.  In November 1862, Confederate forces led by Lieutenant Colonel John R Baylor succeeded in capturing and briefly holding the towns of Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

      On 14 November 1862, Abraham Lincoln approved General Ambrose Burnside’s plan to capture the Confederate capital at Richmond, Virginia, setting the stage for the Battle of Fredericksburg.

      Those of you who wish to participate in the Prattville Christmas Parade be sure to contact our Communications Officer Tyrone Crowley so he can coordinate your participation with 2Lt Cmdr Waldo. (The Dragoons have already registered their entry to include a float and walkers including reenactors.  The Parade will be held along Main Street in downtown Prattville on Saturday December 1st starting at 4:30p.  The Dragoons intend to bring some Confederate gray to the theme of a "Blue Christmas".  Join us for a festive time of community and SCV fellowship showing your Confederate and Christmas spirit. S.W.)

Chris Booth

Camp Commander

Prattville Dragoons Chaplain's Column from the November Camp Dispatch

Facing Failure in Life

 “O love the Lord, all ye His saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful.” Psalm 31:23

             Two of the greatest baseball players in history were Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Ty Cobb was known for his record number of stolen bases, and Babe Ruth was known for his record number of home runs. What we may not know about them is that they were faced with failures before they became great. You see Ty Cobb was also thrown out more than any other man in baseball trying to steal bases. Babe Ruth struck out more than any other man in baseball! Neither of these great ball players allowed their failures to stop them. We should not allow failures in life to stop us.

             So let’s fix our goals, face our faults and forget our failures. Let’s not allow those failures to lead to discouragement. Remember Philippians 4:13 which says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We must be determined to believe that failure in the Christian life is not final.

             Let’s continue to remember those on our prayer list. 

Chaplain Snowden

Upcoming Alabama Statewide Events of Interest for Confederate Heritage for November 2012

A perusal of the Alabama Tourism Department Sweet Home Alabama statewide Calendar of Events for September include some events of interest for Confederate heritage supporters. 

• Civil War Walking Tour

Orrville | Nov 3, 2012

Nov 3, Orrville Civil War Walking Tour 334-877-4253. www.cahawba.com. Fee for participants only. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park--Travel back in time through some of Cahawba’s most intriguing stories. 10am-11am

• Battles for the Armory

Tallassee | Nov 9-11, 2012

Tallassee Battles for the Armory (Civil War Reenactment) - Reenactment of Battles of Franklin and Chehaw which saved the Confederate Armory from being destroyed by Union Raiders. Battle of Chehaw on Saturday at 2pm and Battle of Franklin on Sunday at 2 p.m, School Day on Friday. Admission $5 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 334-391-4017

• Guided Archeology Tour of Cherokee and DeKalb Counties

Fort Payne | Nov 16, 2012

Nov 16, Fort Payne Guided Archeology Tour of Cherokee and DeKalb Counties 256-782-5697. www.jsu.edu/epic. Fee for participants only. Little River Canyon Field School Educational/Interpretive Center--Come along with JSU Archeologist Dr. Harry Holstein for a guided tour of sites throughout Cherokee and DeKalb Counties. Participants will visit the 19th Century Cornwall Furnace, a Spanish contact site at Coosa Village, a rock shelter in use as early as 3000 B.C., and much more. Space is limited so register early. Fee: $15 per person (ages 14 and over); Pre-Registration is required. 9am-3pm

SCV Prattville Dragoons Table at Gun Show at the Alcazar Temple

Compatriot Jeff Potts and son John will again be manning a table at the Gun Show at Alcazar Temple in Montgomery this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th.  If you go to the show, stop at our table and say hello to Jeff and John.  Look for the Dragoon Banner on the front of the table.  SCV applications and informational literature will be available.  This is always a good event to keep the Dragoons and the SCV out in front of the public who share our belief in Constitutional rights and may be interested in membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The Alcazar Shrine Temple is at 555 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery.  Hours for the show are Saturday 9-5pm and Sunday 10-4pm. The gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/montgomery-gun-show website has further information.