I would aver that every era has had its political correctness, previously called conventional wisdom.

You know, the stuff everyone knows is true whether it is or not simply because they hear it more often than any other view.

[2] I wonder, who does the author perceive as being PCM? Does being a proponent of any one of these hallmarks make someone PCM, or is it one or two hallmarks, or all of them?

[3] “Southern slavery, while not kind, was not excessively cruel considering the standards in place. ”

Please provide your definition of “excessive cruelty.”

[4] I would add this comment on the never-ending discussion of what “caused” the war.

As I see it, there are really two questions:
(a) why did the southern states secede?
(b) what caused the Confederacy and the United States to go to war?

These are two separate questions, with two separate answers (IMO). But they are often put into a single question, resulting in responses that often go in different directions and prevent any useful debate.

I’d love to know how.

This is the sort of mindless accusation that is of a twin with “political correctness” rants. Unlike Mr. Durney, BR seems unwilling to identify himself, however. Wonder why.

Excellent post. Regarding the “Lee was a traitor myth”, I have a post coming some time tomorrow that touches on that issue. Here’s an excerpt:

“Those who suggest Lee was a ‘traitor’ for remaining loyal to Virginia over the Union overlook the fact that Virginia had been a political entity for more than two hundred years, and that Lee’s roots in Virginia could be traced to the year 1640. The United States had only been a reality for about 80 years at the time Lee resigned from the United States Army. Those who would label Lee a traitor are transferring 21st century American notions and beliefs about nationhood and loyalty to 19th century Americans – presentism at it’s worse. Lee chose home, family, and likely defeat over a faceless concept of “Union” and likely glory and promotion. Many still see that as honorable. I suppose certain corners of academia prefer Lee being characterized as a vile, slave-holding traitor who had only selfish motives in casting his lot with what he likely knew was a losing proposition from the very beginning. That perspective is so sophomoric, shallow, and false as to be embarrassing. But it does fit the template and agenda.”

The statements of Thaddeus Stevens, Nathaniel Lyon, and Wm. T. Sherman (about exterminating Southerners) sound more like the Third Reich.

As for slavery, the North had no reservation in maintaining slavery in areas that it controlled. No reservation in using slave labor.

Casualty figures according to who?

Mc Pherson, Simpson, Levin and the rest of the crowd.

They want to dictate the interpretation of history.