(Misguided) Pride of the South

I checked my mail today.  I hadn't checked it all week long having been busy working extra hours to help get our operation set up and running for Hurricane Ike.  As usual, it was full of junk mail, bills, more junk mail, and a few things that I'm actually interested in.  I noticed a note card sized card fall out of my stack.  I knew it was junk mail, but since I don't leave trash on the ground I picked it up intending to throw it away when I got home.  Then my eye caught what it was and I stood and looked at it for a moment in utter astonishment.  It was one of those commemorative sales cards we all get occassionaly and most of us give it a glance and off to the trash it goes.  The reason this particular one made me stop in astonishment was because it was in fact a "Pride of the South Civil War Commemorative Ring."  WHAT?!  I have attached a picture of said ring to this post for your amusement (and/or astonishment).  You'll notice by the picture that it is covered in the confederate flag, has an engraving that says "Pride of the South" on the inside of the ring, and proudly states that the C.S.A. existed from 1861 to 1865.  This bothers me on multiple levels.  First, I see no reason why we should have a ring or any other item commemorating the war that had brother fighting brother in our own country stemed largely (but not solely) on whether or not it was OK to keep other human beings as slaves.  To me, this is a symbol of inequality and hatred.  Second, the south did not win the war!!  History lesson:  the Union won, the southern states were brought back into the union and the horrible painful process of reconstruction began.  Third, the Civil War was a bloody, horrible war fought mainly by the poor and I see no reason to glorify it.  And so finally, congratulations to whomever decides to buy this redneck symbol of hatred.  You'll leave the same words running through the minds of just about every rational person you come across:  "stupid redneck."  Thanks for making America proud! 

 

Look Ma, it's the POS Ring!