Thank you, Minnesota and thank you, Steve for this moving post. I believe you that we will overcome the regime one day and that the reconstruction of our government and the uniting of our nation will be the next decades' task. I'm in. Let's go.
I second those thanks. I watched your Rally Round the Flag ad again here today, Steve. My God, it's powerful, I weep TELLING people about it. And now with your story about Minnesota in the war. Thank you. BTW, I ordered Rick Atkinson's Pulitzer winning, Liberation Trilogy about WWII. I see why you would like this to be recommended reading. Can't thank you enough.
And then there is Tennessee, which gave us Marsha Blackburn. Blackburn voted against the Violence Against Women Act because it included gay women. She said she did not want the law “diluted” with gay women.
She won with 60 percent of the male and female vote. Stupidity and hatred trumps all in Tennessee. Choose wisely. We can only send 100 people to the Senate.
Wonderful post, Steve! Visiting Gettysburg was one of the most moving experiences of my life. Hearing the story of the battles from the park ranger and seeing those places-including the monument to the Minnesotans and the graveyard where Lincoln addressed the crowd was a patriotic revelation for me.
The sacrifices over those three days were incredible and walking those grounds felt like a holy pilgrimage. We can't let this happen again! The strong and faithful people of Minnesota are currently holding the line. May they once again prove to be patriots of the highest order and may we all stand in the gap for them and for our country.
Decades ago I went to Gettysburg with a retired infantry officer, a combat veteran of 3 wars. It was eye-opening to watch him "read" the topography, and brought home to me the perils that combatants face. I knew about Maine, I did not know about Minnesota. I need to go back to Gettysburg. My Army infantry guy died just before Trump was elected, and I was relieved he didn't see the degradation of the country he served so long and so bravely. I have dreamt many times of the honored dead at Arlington rising up and marching across Memorial Bridge to drag the traitors in the White House to their dishonored deaths.
Regrettably, not one Trump supporter, not Trump, himself care about how they are portrayed in history books in future. They don't believe there will even be history books in future; not if they have anything to say about it. What they do care about is whether or not they'll be prosecuted for their crimes once Democrats hold majorities in House and Senate. The answer is yes. Despite what they're guaranteed by Trump, there is no law which gives them "absolute immunity," and videos submitted by witnesses are considered evidence in a court of law.
Steve, thank you for the great historical education about Minnesota’s past, and contribution. I want to share a story with you. Last weekend at a protest in the Oakland/Berkeley area, as my wife and I reached the center of several hundred protesters, we discovered a band of what stereotypically looked like Berkeley, octogenarians with an educated and hippie past. I immediately noticed the band members look at each other, smile, and then they began playing Glory, Glory, Hallelujah (known as the Battle Hymn of the Republic). Everyone in the crowd who could hear the music began singing along. Like you, (a mid-50s Gen X person), I struggle with aspects of faith… But as with most humans, I am moved by music. The singing of glory, glory hallelujah in a crowd of progressive Americans near the epicenter of free speech history in America moved me greatly. Perhaps because that song has been placed purposefully in numerous historical movies, I immediately felt a symbolic meaning to America’s past and present. I later looked up some of the varied history of the creation and usage of the song and was not surprised that it was often considered an abolitionist song and a marching song by Union soldiers. It cannot be overstated how emotional I was the rest of that event to see all these good people with powerful hearts and voices play a song that was used in the war that saved the United States of America. It also made me realize how close we really are to our dissolution. But I will keep up the good fight because I know we are merely continuing the great human tradition of fighting for our freedom. Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!!…
A small personal reminiscence. As a child attending public school in California in the 1950s, I loved our classroom music education in part because we learned songs like Battle Hymn of the Republic -- not sanitized, and not just the first verse. Political correctness was still a couple of decades away, when even Christmas carols were prohibited because non-Christians were being "forced" to sing them. What I got, and what my children's generation was deprived of, was patriotism set to music and the opportunity to be patriots all together. I didn't need to know the whole story of the Civil War as a 5th grader to understand that it was about preserving the Union. That year, or perhaps the next, I was introduced to the Gettysburg Address in the same school with the same classmates, and I memorized Lincoln's address, not because I was required to, but because I was so moved by it, contemplating the enormity of the losses and what was at stake. Lincoln's words have been "alive" in my active memory all my life. They became a touchstone for me, time and again during my life, when the nation seemed to be at risk of fracture -- none moreso than in the present moment. I appreciate Steve's finding such relevance in the story of Minnesotans during the Civil War that is at a level of detail most students of American History never were taught. I have added it to my "memory bank" to expand my understanding of today's impending "battle cry," and I urge others to do the same. We need breadth and depth of knowledge when history threatens to repeat itself.
I to am a 50's child, and I remember learning those songs, as well. I remember, one year, dressing up as Martha Washington, on President's Day (which was called George Washington Day, and celebrated on his birthdate-February 22), we didn't have the day off then, we celebrated and remembered. We also celebrated Lincoln's birthday on February 12! I remember, one year, making log cabins out of pretzel sticks! In those days, teachers had time to teach. Today's teachers, are too busy teaching to the test, or being a counselor or social worker, or babysitter, that lessons have to be quick and watered down to meet the children's attention span, or else the parents complain! I am a retired teacher, and I wanted to teach, as I was taught; and for the most part, because of my love of history, and for the beautiful children's books that are written (and some are now being banned in some schools), I was able to tell the history of America to my young students. Whether they remembered or not, as they were only second graders, I don't know, but I do know that I sewed the seeds of history in their brains.
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your recollection of patriotic school celebrations. I recall Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday, as well. They were important days on our school calendar. I'm sure you sowed a lot of seeds of history in your years as a teacher! We put flags on soldiers' graves in the local cemetery on "Decoration Day," and I knew that Armistice Day on November 11 marked the end of the fighting in WWI. Most of us grew up in the homes of parents whose lives had been changed by World War II. We had Dads who went to war and didn't talk about it, but I could look around my classroom and point out which kids had fathers who were in the Army or Navy or Marines because every child developed patriotism based, at least in part, on identification with a father's or uncle's service, and it was a topic of our conversations. My father was in the Navy so I thought everything about the Navy was wonderful. There's no lesson plan for today's kids that can replicate how we formed deeply-rooted and shared identities as Americans.
That is a lovely story, thank you for sharing. The full version of The Battle Hymn of the Republic makes it crystal clear it was an abolitionist anthem. The US Army band (which is top notch musicians fortunate enough to get a steady job) sing a much abbreviated and 'sanitized' version of the song. Which is a travesty (we know why) because before Kegsbreath at least, the Army was about 30% persons of color.
I wish I had you as a history teacher. Thank you. Your stories are always inspiring. I believe we will stop this insanity and hold everyone accountable.
Yeah, wouldn't HS history have been so much fun taught like this? I got my first glimpse of real AmHist in college. I grew up in NJ, back in the 50s-60s, and thanks to the literal conspiracy of Southern historians (at U Chicago no less ) I was taught that Reconstruction was all about 'carpetbaggers.'
The current effort to rewrite history is nothing new.
The 1st Minnesota's sacrifice deserves remembrance, but the parallel deserves scrutiny. Gettysburg was existential because the constitutional framework itself was under armed assault, Lincoln faced a breakaway nation fielding armies to destroy the Union by force.
Today's crisis is constitutional decay through institutional capture and norm erosion, not military conquest. The remedy isn't battlefield courage but civic persistence: the unglamorous work of litigation, organizing, documentation, and holding the line through legal and democratic means.
Different threats require different virtues. The 1st Minnesota charged because that's what the moment demanded. Our moment demands we not mistake the nature of the fight we're actually in.
Yes. But our moment also demands courage. Perhaps people in Minnesota, like Chicago, are hardened by their winters. I am mostly surrounded by people who are making excuses. But I am also in VA, and there's an expectation that with a Democratic trifecta as of Jan 14 (and our 1st woman governor) we're in for some rough treatment.
U.S. Grant, the target of derision by the Southern history writers I suffered in grade school, was a fabulous writer. Famous for his clear orders (thanks to 'Grant's lieutenant'). I got tangled up in the descriptions of military engagements but otherwise his autobiography is wonderful reading. He was character assassinated by the treacherous (literally) Southern writers of American history, but the fact remains people around the world turned out in huge crowds to cheer him and his funeral procession was thronged with enormous crowds.
I saw a documentary on the presidents, on the History Channel, years ago. When they told about Grant, I didn't realize what a visionary he was. He was all for African-Americans having the right to vote, as well as being free citizens. For some reason, probably politics as usual, his dream didn't come true. What would America be like today, if Grant's wish was fulfilled?
I remember, when I was in seventh grade, I had a teacher, who was obviously raised in the ole South. She showed us pictures of both Grant and Lee-the pictures may have been in our history books. Anyway, all I remember, was her saying: "Look at how neat and nicely dressed General Lee was compared to Grant", and then she added that Grant was a drunk. The South never died! And, thanks to trump, it rises its ugly head once more!
I have read a bio of Grant and Lee that traced some extraordinary coincidences in their lives. But the best book I ever read was by a high-ranking British WWI officer (will find name) who wrote in early 1920's. He asked "if Lee was such a wonderful general, why did he lose?" Field Marshal concluded: he was a terrible officer. And the whole southern culture mitigated against success. They elected their officers! So leadership was a popularity contest. Lee didn't care about such worldly details as provisioning, so his troops were ill-clothed and underfed (and did more damage foraging than Union forces ever did). Etcetera.
You know the old one about Grant's drinking? Someone in Lincoln's cabinet criticized Grant. Lincoln said: Find out what he drinks, and have a case of it sent to all my commanders!
If the administration continues to falter and fail and things look bad for the facist supporters of Trumpism? Of course, that is the plan. It’s a good thing that they’re such incompetent losers.
Thank you Steve for your most eloquent of posts. Your knowledge of history, storytelling and devotion to America gives me hope. You are save America’s Thomas Paine. Thank you…
I have to go back and reread Colin Woodard's "American Nations" from 2013, which describes how the cultural characteristics of European settlers have continued to manifest. For me that book clarified the fundamental in compatibility of the southern slave lords with freedomz
This is a tragic yet beautiful tribute to those who have died for their beliefs and the misinformation drilled into their brains. It is also a warning of today's situation and what may eventually transpire in the future. Unfortunately, misinformation has long driven the public to bigotry and insecurity. The goal is to drive a wedge between the occupants of this country for the benefit of the powerful and wealthy.
The tragedy is people are blind to this brainwashing, we are all subjected to the same propaganda some go left, some go right, and a few try to maintain a balanced view.
Our work is to help enough people find a balance and reject extremes before the extremists push us into their ongoing war for power.
.....and I thank the Venerable Schmidt for his previous quote of Frederick Douglass (?) wherein he stated that he was grateful to have lived in that particular moment in the scheme of History. It reinforced my belief that "It's not that everything happens FOR a reason, it's that everything happens WITH Reason.
Thank you, Minnesota and thank you, Steve for this moving post. I believe you that we will overcome the regime one day and that the reconstruction of our government and the uniting of our nation will be the next decades' task. I'm in. Let's go.
I second those thanks. I watched your Rally Round the Flag ad again here today, Steve. My God, it's powerful, I weep TELLING people about it. And now with your story about Minnesota in the war. Thank you. BTW, I ordered Rick Atkinson's Pulitzer winning, Liberation Trilogy about WWII. I see why you would like this to be recommended reading. Can't thank you enough.
Oh dear. More books to read!
Thank you, Minnesota.
And then there is Tennessee, which gave us Marsha Blackburn. Blackburn voted against the Violence Against Women Act because it included gay women. She said she did not want the law “diluted” with gay women.
She won with 60 percent of the male and female vote. Stupidity and hatred trumps all in Tennessee. Choose wisely. We can only send 100 people to the Senate.
Wonderful post, Steve! Visiting Gettysburg was one of the most moving experiences of my life. Hearing the story of the battles from the park ranger and seeing those places-including the monument to the Minnesotans and the graveyard where Lincoln addressed the crowd was a patriotic revelation for me.
The sacrifices over those three days were incredible and walking those grounds felt like a holy pilgrimage. We can't let this happen again! The strong and faithful people of Minnesota are currently holding the line. May they once again prove to be patriots of the highest order and may we all stand in the gap for them and for our country.
Your words and tribute to Gettysburg add to Steve’s eloquent post.
Ditto that!!!
Decades ago I went to Gettysburg with a retired infantry officer, a combat veteran of 3 wars. It was eye-opening to watch him "read" the topography, and brought home to me the perils that combatants face. I knew about Maine, I did not know about Minnesota. I need to go back to Gettysburg. My Army infantry guy died just before Trump was elected, and I was relieved he didn't see the degradation of the country he served so long and so bravely. I have dreamt many times of the honored dead at Arlington rising up and marching across Memorial Bridge to drag the traitors in the White House to their dishonored deaths.
Regrettably, not one Trump supporter, not Trump, himself care about how they are portrayed in history books in future. They don't believe there will even be history books in future; not if they have anything to say about it. What they do care about is whether or not they'll be prosecuted for their crimes once Democrats hold majorities in House and Senate. The answer is yes. Despite what they're guaranteed by Trump, there is no law which gives them "absolute immunity," and videos submitted by witnesses are considered evidence in a court of law.
"They don't believe there will even be history books in future; not if they have anything to say about it."
They are doing their best to try to rewrite history to serve their own corrupt actions; from Jackie Robinson to Jan. 6.
Steve, thank you for the great historical education about Minnesota’s past, and contribution. I want to share a story with you. Last weekend at a protest in the Oakland/Berkeley area, as my wife and I reached the center of several hundred protesters, we discovered a band of what stereotypically looked like Berkeley, octogenarians with an educated and hippie past. I immediately noticed the band members look at each other, smile, and then they began playing Glory, Glory, Hallelujah (known as the Battle Hymn of the Republic). Everyone in the crowd who could hear the music began singing along. Like you, (a mid-50s Gen X person), I struggle with aspects of faith… But as with most humans, I am moved by music. The singing of glory, glory hallelujah in a crowd of progressive Americans near the epicenter of free speech history in America moved me greatly. Perhaps because that song has been placed purposefully in numerous historical movies, I immediately felt a symbolic meaning to America’s past and present. I later looked up some of the varied history of the creation and usage of the song and was not surprised that it was often considered an abolitionist song and a marching song by Union soldiers. It cannot be overstated how emotional I was the rest of that event to see all these good people with powerful hearts and voices play a song that was used in the war that saved the United States of America. It also made me realize how close we really are to our dissolution. But I will keep up the good fight because I know we are merely continuing the great human tradition of fighting for our freedom. Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!!…
A small personal reminiscence. As a child attending public school in California in the 1950s, I loved our classroom music education in part because we learned songs like Battle Hymn of the Republic -- not sanitized, and not just the first verse. Political correctness was still a couple of decades away, when even Christmas carols were prohibited because non-Christians were being "forced" to sing them. What I got, and what my children's generation was deprived of, was patriotism set to music and the opportunity to be patriots all together. I didn't need to know the whole story of the Civil War as a 5th grader to understand that it was about preserving the Union. That year, or perhaps the next, I was introduced to the Gettysburg Address in the same school with the same classmates, and I memorized Lincoln's address, not because I was required to, but because I was so moved by it, contemplating the enormity of the losses and what was at stake. Lincoln's words have been "alive" in my active memory all my life. They became a touchstone for me, time and again during my life, when the nation seemed to be at risk of fracture -- none moreso than in the present moment. I appreciate Steve's finding such relevance in the story of Minnesotans during the Civil War that is at a level of detail most students of American History never were taught. I have added it to my "memory bank" to expand my understanding of today's impending "battle cry," and I urge others to do the same. We need breadth and depth of knowledge when history threatens to repeat itself.
I to am a 50's child, and I remember learning those songs, as well. I remember, one year, dressing up as Martha Washington, on President's Day (which was called George Washington Day, and celebrated on his birthdate-February 22), we didn't have the day off then, we celebrated and remembered. We also celebrated Lincoln's birthday on February 12! I remember, one year, making log cabins out of pretzel sticks! In those days, teachers had time to teach. Today's teachers, are too busy teaching to the test, or being a counselor or social worker, or babysitter, that lessons have to be quick and watered down to meet the children's attention span, or else the parents complain! I am a retired teacher, and I wanted to teach, as I was taught; and for the most part, because of my love of history, and for the beautiful children's books that are written (and some are now being banned in some schools), I was able to tell the history of America to my young students. Whether they remembered or not, as they were only second graders, I don't know, but I do know that I sewed the seeds of history in their brains.
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your recollection of patriotic school celebrations. I recall Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday, as well. They were important days on our school calendar. I'm sure you sowed a lot of seeds of history in your years as a teacher! We put flags on soldiers' graves in the local cemetery on "Decoration Day," and I knew that Armistice Day on November 11 marked the end of the fighting in WWI. Most of us grew up in the homes of parents whose lives had been changed by World War II. We had Dads who went to war and didn't talk about it, but I could look around my classroom and point out which kids had fathers who were in the Army or Navy or Marines because every child developed patriotism based, at least in part, on identification with a father's or uncle's service, and it was a topic of our conversations. My father was in the Navy so I thought everything about the Navy was wonderful. There's no lesson plan for today's kids that can replicate how we formed deeply-rooted and shared identities as Americans.
Yes!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
That is a lovely story, thank you for sharing. The full version of The Battle Hymn of the Republic makes it crystal clear it was an abolitionist anthem. The US Army band (which is top notch musicians fortunate enough to get a steady job) sing a much abbreviated and 'sanitized' version of the song. Which is a travesty (we know why) because before Kegsbreath at least, the Army was about 30% persons of color.
AMEN, AJLiberty, AMEN!
I wish I had you as a history teacher. Thank you. Your stories are always inspiring. I believe we will stop this insanity and hold everyone accountable.
Yeah, wouldn't HS history have been so much fun taught like this? I got my first glimpse of real AmHist in college. I grew up in NJ, back in the 50s-60s, and thanks to the literal conspiracy of Southern historians (at U Chicago no less ) I was taught that Reconstruction was all about 'carpetbaggers.'
The current effort to rewrite history is nothing new.
The 1st Minnesota's sacrifice deserves remembrance, but the parallel deserves scrutiny. Gettysburg was existential because the constitutional framework itself was under armed assault, Lincoln faced a breakaway nation fielding armies to destroy the Union by force.
Today's crisis is constitutional decay through institutional capture and norm erosion, not military conquest. The remedy isn't battlefield courage but civic persistence: the unglamorous work of litigation, organizing, documentation, and holding the line through legal and democratic means.
Different threats require different virtues. The 1st Minnesota charged because that's what the moment demanded. Our moment demands we not mistake the nature of the fight we're actually in.
Yes. But our moment also demands courage. Perhaps people in Minnesota, like Chicago, are hardened by their winters. I am mostly surrounded by people who are making excuses. But I am also in VA, and there's an expectation that with a Democratic trifecta as of Jan 14 (and our 1st woman governor) we're in for some rough treatment.
Yes!!!
"There are but two parties now; traitors and patriots, and I want hereafter to be ranked with the latter."
Ulysses S. Grant
April 1861
U.S. Grant, the target of derision by the Southern history writers I suffered in grade school, was a fabulous writer. Famous for his clear orders (thanks to 'Grant's lieutenant'). I got tangled up in the descriptions of military engagements but otherwise his autobiography is wonderful reading. He was character assassinated by the treacherous (literally) Southern writers of American history, but the fact remains people around the world turned out in huge crowds to cheer him and his funeral procession was thronged with enormous crowds.
I saw a documentary on the presidents, on the History Channel, years ago. When they told about Grant, I didn't realize what a visionary he was. He was all for African-Americans having the right to vote, as well as being free citizens. For some reason, probably politics as usual, his dream didn't come true. What would America be like today, if Grant's wish was fulfilled?
I remember, when I was in seventh grade, I had a teacher, who was obviously raised in the ole South. She showed us pictures of both Grant and Lee-the pictures may have been in our history books. Anyway, all I remember, was her saying: "Look at how neat and nicely dressed General Lee was compared to Grant", and then she added that Grant was a drunk. The South never died! And, thanks to trump, it rises its ugly head once more!
I have read a bio of Grant and Lee that traced some extraordinary coincidences in their lives. But the best book I ever read was by a high-ranking British WWI officer (will find name) who wrote in early 1920's. He asked "if Lee was such a wonderful general, why did he lose?" Field Marshal concluded: he was a terrible officer. And the whole southern culture mitigated against success. They elected their officers! So leadership was a popularity contest. Lee didn't care about such worldly details as provisioning, so his troops were ill-clothed and underfed (and did more damage foraging than Union forces ever did). Etcetera.
You know the old one about Grant's drinking? Someone in Lincoln's cabinet criticized Grant. Lincoln said: Find out what he drinks, and have a case of it sent to all my commanders!
I have a scary thought. The Oath Keepers leader was seen at the congressional hearing for the DC pipe bomber. He was a guest in the audience.
Are they planning to finish what they started on J6?
What’s to stop them?
If the administration continues to falter and fail and things look bad for the facist supporters of Trumpism? Of course, that is the plan. It’s a good thing that they’re such incompetent losers.
Thank you brave Minnesota and thank you Steve for this post. It gives me hope and inspiration.
Magnificent and informative! But I hate to cry in the morning.
Thank you Steve for your most eloquent of posts. Your knowledge of history, storytelling and devotion to America gives me hope. You are save America’s Thomas Paine. Thank you…
Thank you Minnesota!! 👏👏👏
Thank you for this excellent column. Proud to be born and raised in Minnesota. We’re not perfect, but we try to stand for - and do - what’s right.
Is it something in the water there? Or is it the winter cold? Whatever, it's awe inspiring. 85% participation in elections. Wow.
Lots of Scandinavian heritage here: Norwegian, Swedish, etc. - civic-minded countries.
I have to go back and reread Colin Woodard's "American Nations" from 2013, which describes how the cultural characteristics of European settlers have continued to manifest. For me that book clarified the fundamental in compatibility of the southern slave lords with freedomz
This is a tragic yet beautiful tribute to those who have died for their beliefs and the misinformation drilled into their brains. It is also a warning of today's situation and what may eventually transpire in the future. Unfortunately, misinformation has long driven the public to bigotry and insecurity. The goal is to drive a wedge between the occupants of this country for the benefit of the powerful and wealthy.
The tragedy is people are blind to this brainwashing, we are all subjected to the same propaganda some go left, some go right, and a few try to maintain a balanced view.
Our work is to help enough people find a balance and reject extremes before the extremists push us into their ongoing war for power.
.....and I thank the Venerable Schmidt for his previous quote of Frederick Douglass (?) wherein he stated that he was grateful to have lived in that particular moment in the scheme of History. It reinforced my belief that "It's not that everything happens FOR a reason, it's that everything happens WITH Reason.