Why the Confederate Flag is Reviled Today

In the one hundred and fifty-one years since the South was invaded by a tyrannical Federal government, she has been anathemized and her symbols vilified.  Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne is said to have remarked: "Surrender means that the history of this heroic struggle will be written by the enemy; that our youth will be trained by Northern school teachers; will learn from Northern school books their version of the War; will be impressed by all the influences of history and education to regard our gallant dead as traitors, and our maimed veterans as fit subjects for derision."  These words were prophetic.

Tarring and Feathering and Other Patriotic Acts

Tarring and feathering is an ancient punishment that consists of stripping a malefactor, pouring hot pitch over him, and then rolling him in feathers.  Instituted by Richard the Lionheart for thieves and felons, it was resurrected by angry American colonists and used against the vilest reprobates: tax collectors and friends of tyranny.  In 1766, Captain William Smith, an informant of the British Customs service, was tarred and feathered in Norfolk, Virginia.  Soon, Customs employees met the same fate and the practice soon spread to become a popular retribution employed by Patriots against enemies of liberty.