Our foes in this war while strong and well organised are still vulnerable. Remember, their foundation is based on lies, therefore their main work by necessity is the suppression of truth. That forces our main goal to be the teaching and promoting of America's true history and it's impact on the present.
Sadly, the masses of society are woefully ignorant of their past and subsequently are not prepared to deal with today, let alone the future. All because of the lies force fed to them on a daily basis since childhood. An ignorant people become docile and easy to control, while those instilled with knowledge and pride in their heritage are much more apt to stand up to tyranny.
A vast amount of time and money is spent by "those people" to keep the American public ignorant and apathetic. We have no choice but to spend till it hurts to reverse this evil trend.
Education is best carried out on a local level, which also makes it easier time and money wise. In our own communities their are many ways to teach truth that don't require much money but are most effective.
We have been active in teaching in Missouri for a number of years. Allow me to briefly outline what has worked for us. Look over the ideas and see what would work in your areas.
Museums and historical societies are easy to work with and are an open door to the public. These institutions are always looking for programs to bring people to their sites. By giving presentations for them we are helping their cause and also get a chance to teach in the community.
Public, private and home schools are very good places to teach. While it is a little harder to gain permission to teach in a public school, it is possible. We have not had a problem yet with a public school even though in our living history presentations we insist on displaying and allowing the children to handle the weapons, Confederate flags and prayer books our ancestors used during the War. We have encountered a few nervous teachers but the kids love it. I will tell you this, when we enter a room in Bushwhacker dress, bristling with pistols and knives, we have those kids full attention and they remember what we have to say. And remember, government schools will pay you to give presentations.
Private and home schools are easy to teach for. Two added benefits here are the children are easier to talk to and most times the parents are there also. These schools need outside presentations but don't have much funding for it. Never take money from these schools, we need to do all we can to help them. Besides, the public schools pay enough for their presentation and at least one for the private and home taught kids.
Community history festivals also work well. The town needs presenters to add to the event and we gain a public place to teach with all the advertising paid for.
Advertising through various media is another good way to get our message in front of the public. Never discount this option even though it can be expensive. Do you think politicians and big business would spend the amount they do if ads didn't work? You may be surprised how cheap some advertising can be. For instance, radio ads were placed here for the dedication of a Confederate monument. The prices averaged $8 per 30 second spot, $12 per 60 second spot and some ads were ran free with community events. Think of all the people who have radios on all day in their cars and tractors and how many stores have them playing at all times.
Booths at gun shows and reenactments are well worth the time. Gun shows charge a small fee and at least around here battle sites charge nothing and sometimes will pay you to give presentations. It is amazing how full of questions spectators are at reenactments. The perfect time and place to teach folks the truth of the War.
While most of what we teach is history, the goal in our presentations is to show people the impact of that history on America's present day. It works very well. I can't tell you how many people have left our campsite redfaced and cussing. Not because they were mad at us, they were mad because they realised how many lies had been pounded into them since chidhood. That is what we want, people getting mad enough to go home and start researching on their own. These are the people that will tell others what they have discovered. You have heard of the snowball effect.
Also, remember that in promoting the Southern Cause, you are also standing for the foundational American values; freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to keep and bear arms, THE CONSTITUTION. This opens the door for us to work with and teach through other organisations. Every effort must be made to work with groups outside the Southern Movement. By expanding our base we will reach many more with the truth.
I know of no better way to fight "those people" at this time than by firmly speaking and actively promoting the truth of this country's history. What other way can we show people how far off course this country is now?
I will close with these thoughts. When confronted by those who deliberately try to destroy our heritage and future, we must let them know in no uncertain terms, it will not any longer be tolerated. Then as publicly as possible, we must do all we can to discredit them and counteract their lies. Yes, the time of being nice to "those people" is past.
But when faced with those blinded by "taught ignorance" we must gently show them the truth. Then it is up to them what to do with their new found knowledge. To either stand upon it and live as a freeman or cover it up and exist as a servant to tyrants.
For the Cause,
Frank Carlton, Chairman
Missouri League of the South
