The state government of North Carolina is known for corruption, nepotism and keeping the eastern end of the state pacified along with Charlotte. Also known for high taxes and money going who knows where. The state is a mess and I hope that the Governor has bothered to read about the happenings in Michigan. North Carolina could be next. There are reasons that industry settles right across the state line in South Carolina's upstate instead of North Carolina.
Recently, I reread William R. Trotter's Silk Flags And Cold Steel. Mr. Trotter wrote a three volume history of the Civil War in North Carolina. I have read two of the volumes. Silk Flags And Cold Steel is about the Civil War in the Piedmont. Worthy reading for learning about how the state kept not only men in the ranks of Lee's army but also kept them fed and clothed. Better still, is the section of the book dealing with Zebulon Baird Vance, Governor of the state during the war. He was a young man, just approaching thirty, when he became Governor and showed a better grasp of civil liberties and civics than anyone in politics today. Our current Governor should read it and learn how to become a real Governor instead of a partisan hack. Vance clashed with CSA President Jefferson Davis via correspondence over the restriction of liberties which many thought the CSA would protect. We live in different times now but human nature doesn't change and Vance was a master at dealing with that and practical problems.
For those still romanticizing over the war, the book will open your eyes to the realities of bumbling bureaucrats in Richmond, Virginia and the horrors of war visited on the populace at the hands of their neighbors. The CSA was not what many would make it out to be.
Again, I highly recommend Mr. Trotters set of books for Civil War buffs, persons interested in North Carolina history and those interested in government, in general. If nothing else, maybe some North Carolinian will read about Vance and gain some inspiration. We need a decent Governor. Easely showed his colors back in his AG days in 94 when Congress passed the Crime Bill, as it is known. Splashed on the cover of USA Today was the Governor talking about how he would 'jump through the hoops' for federal money. Good going, bootlicker.
I will be posting some of Vance's deeds in later postings. He was truly a phenomenal governor. One factoid for now is that he was known as the best stump speaker around. That was back when politicians had to face the public and answer questions that were not scripted or scheduled. For those in the Asheville area, you can visit his birthplace in Reem's Creek which is a state park. No entry fee.
Directions:
From Asheville take I-26 West (US 19-23 North) to Exit 21(New Stock Road). Follow the brown directional signs to the site on Reems Creek Road.
From the Blue Ridge Parkway take the exit between mileposts 375 and 376. Follow the brown directional signs to the site.
Link:
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