Story
State
Empowering Low-Income Parents
Rankin County is one of four counties that run a pilot program for parent representation. Mississippi is the only state in the U.S. that does not statutorily provide attorneys for …
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Biz Roundup
First of July Celebration and UMMC LGBT Health Division
Next month, UMMC will open the Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women and LGBT individuals through research, education, clinical practice and …
Story
Ole Miss Tackle Arrested For Domestic Violence Involving Stepfather
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — University of Mississippi football coach Hugh Freeze confirmed Saturday that offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil has been arrested in a domestic violence case involving his stepfather in …
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Supreme Court Upholds Nationwide Health Care Law Subsidies
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the nationwide tax subsidies under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, in a ruling that preserves health insurance for millions of Americans.
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Politics
Confederate Flag Divides Mississippi Politicians
In the wake of the Charleston massacre, the nation is questioning South Carolina's Confederate flag, and in turn, looking to Mississippi's state flag that features the symbol.
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Music
The Bratton Sound
Bob Bratton went looking for a sound, but he ended up creating it himself. The Madison resident has been building custom guitar amplifiers for the past year, but has only …
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Politics
McDaniel Slams Changing State Flag
Senator Chris McDaniel made the following verbatim statement regarding calls to do away with Mississippi's official state flag.
Entry
Confederates Speak: Yes, We Fought the Civil War Over Slavery
By Donna LaddIf you grew up in the South, and especially if you're white, you've likely been told repeatedly (maybe even in a classroom) that "the Civil War wasn't fought over slavery." (They might have even called it the "War Between the States" or even the "War of Northern Aggression.") "It was about economics," they might say. Or, almost always, "It was over state's rights," as if that somehow means that it wasn't actually over a state's right to allow its white citizens to own and abuse black human beings. It's remarkable how many white southerners, and others around the country, actually believe this myth. And it is regularly used as an excuse to justify keeping the Confederate battle flag and other symbols of the Confederacy and the "lost cause" of slavery imbedded into government, public and private schools, and some state universities in every way possible—especially in the taxpayer-funded state flags that still adorn several state capitols, including Mississippi's.
But the problem is: The Confederate leaders themselves had no reason then to hide what they were fighting the Civil War over. They were forthright about both why they were seceding into the Confederacy and their beliefs about the white supremacy (and its spoils of wealth) that they were willing to fighting to keep in place. Ever since I first read Mississippi's Declaration of Secession, I've used it as a response to someone who decides to spread these myths in my presence.
Now, in the wake of the Charleston massacre by an apparent white supremacist, and as the country is engaging in a welcome conversation about the Confederate flag, I've compiled a list of primary sources from the mouths and pens of the Confederate leaders themselves that could prove useful as you deal with the myths that continue to be used to justify racism and racist symbols. (Hat tip to Kristy Wittman Howell who had posted several of the more obscure links on Facebook.) Please suggest others in the comments.
Mississippi's Declaration of Secession: "Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery - the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product, which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization."
All the Declarations of Secession by southern states that did them: From Texas' Declaration: "In all the non-slave-holding States, in violation of that good faith and comity which should exist between entirely distinct nations, the people have formed themselves into a great sectional party, now strong enough in numbers to control the affairs of each of those States, based upon an unnatural feeling of hostility to these Southern States and their beneficent and patriarchal system of …
Story
Supreme Court Allows Use of Child Abuse Evidence
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that statements that children make to teachers about possible abuse can be used as evidence, even if the child does not testify in court.
Story
Senate to Vote on Defense Policy Bill
Over White House objections, the Senate is poised to pass a $612 billion defense policy bill that calls for arming Ukraine forces, prevents another round of base closures and makes …
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State
My Friend Rachel Dolezal: Walk in Her Shoes
When Rachel Dolezal's story began trending this month, media outlets immediately began shucking the most symmetrical assumptions of race and ethnicity. The headlines ranged from "Hero" to "Hater."
Story
Person of the Day
Jody E. Owens II
Jody E. Owens II, who has worked with the SPLC since January 2011, seems like a natural if not overdue choice to receive the Beth Arnovits Gutsy Advocate for Youth …
Story
US Archbishop Quits After Archdiocese Charged with Cover-Up
Pope Francis has started making good on his promise to not let even the most senior churchmen get away with sex abuse or cover-up.
Story
EU Launches Antitrust Investigation into Amazon Over E-Books
The European Union's executive branch has launched an antitrust investigation into online retailer Amazon over its distribution of e-books, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
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Pope Creates Abuse Tribunal for Cases of Bishop Negligence
Pope Francis has created a new tribunal section inside the Vatican to hear cases of bishops accused of covering up for priests who raped and molested children, the biggest step …
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Senate GOP Denies Funds for Lawyers for Immigrant Children
A GOP-controlled Senate panel has blocked President Barack Obama's request for $50 million to pay for legal help for unaccompanied immigrant children coming to the United States after fleeing violence …
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Business
Praying for Help at Nissan
Braving 90-degree temperatures and 50 percent humidity, almost three dozen people showed up on Nissan Drive right by the front entrance of the automobile manufacturer to hold what organizers referred …
Story
Person of the Day
Sepp Blatter
It took two countries, but finally, Joseph S. "Sepp" Blatter, the president of FIFA for the last 17 years, a man who was more Teflon than John Gotti, finally went …
Story
Bryan's Rant
The SEC Leads the Way
A lot happened in the sports world in the last week. The NBA and NHL finals are now set, and the NCAA Baseball Tournament started May 29 and the Women's …
