Obama's final campaign speech next to Bull Run!

[Condem]

First Manassas in the south. What a sense of history. Brought tears to my eyes when I heard that! Our first African-American President speaking next to the site of the first battle of the Civil War. Perfect!

[Imalittleteapot]

1. Chills.

Talk about stirring emotions. Fine move by Obama.

[greatauntoftriplets]

2. Where in Manassas?

I was just there visiting friends a week ago. They live about six miles west towards Gainesville and their closest post office is Catharpin.

[Condem]

8. Site not announced yet, greataunt.

Manassas Park, most likely. I don't think he's allowed to do a rally at the actual battlefield. I've been there many a time. There's a BIG green space next to the statue of Stonewall Jackson. That would be ideal.

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. I know. I was just there!

And passed by the place many times while driving on Sudley Road to Lee Highway.

I couldn't see throngs of people on the battlefield, given the historic nature of that site. They give a great tour of it.

[Thrill]

3. Isn't Hillary going to Manassas on Sunday?

[VADem11]

29. She's going to Fairfax

at GMU's Fairfax campus.

[happyiowan]

4. The Civil War?

Do we still teach that? I'm guessing even on this site, 90% couldn't name the years it was fought. Let alone, any of the battles. I commend Obama for this historic speech.

[sampsonblk]

5. ...and that is VERY unfortunate

The lessons are invaluable in my opinion.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. Absolutely

The way the planter class in the South exploited the poorer whites via fear and racism remind me very much of what is still being done today.

[happyiowan]

11. THE biggest moment in our nations history

I do not understate that. We were very young, back then. As a nation.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

13. One of the defining moments

We literally reinvented ourselves. We went from "The United States are" to "The United States is". We went from loyalty to a particular state to "All for the Union". I know many have heard of The Lost Cause myth, but it isn't only Southerners who recall those bygone days and the suffering and sacrifice. I was taught from a very early age about my family's role in the War, and the suffering and hardship the War cost them--in Illinois.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. I beg to differ

I think there are quite a few Civil War buffs who post here. I know when I've commented on certain aspects of the War, especially in the West, there are always those who chime in with their own thoughts and opinions.

[Condem]

10. The buffs could answer many questions, ayeshahaqqiqa.

But your average person couldn't tell me where Appomattox was. Or, the generals there, for that matter.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

12. That's sad

I wrote my first "book" (drawn pictures) about the Civil War when I was 5. Knew Grant, Lee, Lincoln, and Davis. Knew the story of my great great grandfathers who fought for the Union. Grew up singing Civil War songs that my grandfather taught me. When I taught school I made sure the kids knew about the role of Southern Illinois in the War, and even took them on extra curricular field trips to re-enactments.

[Condem]

14. Yeah, aye

Even though I was raised in the north, I was told I was the great-great cousin of James Longstreet. Only one of THE best Generals of the south. Alas, I didn't follow him into warfare.

[countingbluecars]

21. In Virginia, we start teaching about

the Civil War in fourth grade as a matter of fact. My fourth grade students could tell you the causes of the Civil War, strengths and weakness of both sides, major battles, generals, and more.

[Cha]

15. They have such a sense

of history..their's and our country's.

Speaking of tears(emotional)..Just saw Obama give a rebel rousing speech(livestream) in Highland, Indiana.

[Condem]

16. zidzi

I don't think I'll be able to stifle the tears, Tuesday night. How much does this mean to all of us????

[Cha]

17. It is yet to be measured but I think

we have a Pret-ty good idea of what's coming!:bounce: :cry::):bounce::toast::party::kick::cry::D:bounce:

[prolesunited]

28. Want to see pics from that?

Took my dad and he had the time of his life. Today we went and early voted together.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7691550&mesg_id=7691550

[Condem]

30. Beautiful, proslesunited

My mom and dad are dead. Honestly, I couldn't tell you who their racist asses would have voted for. So, I'll cheer myslf with your parents. Well done.

[prolesunited]

33. Well, that was just my dad

The other woman he just met there. My mom has been dead for nine years. My dad was a racist (not in a burning crosses way, but a separate but equal way), but I guess three biracial grandchildren will help cure that.

I thought he still harbored some residual issues from his upbringing -- he was born in 1924 and that was just the times in which he was raised. But, he picked Obama in the primary before we even started talking about it. Needless to say, I've encouraged it ever since.

[Condem]

34. I come from a strict Irish Catholic upbringing, pro

Thankfully, I've finally figured out what a ton of horseshit that is. My sisters, haven't. Well, maybe one. Obama will win.

[prolesunited]

35. I was raised Catholic

my dad is still pretty devout and attends Mass every Sunday without fail. He was very influenced by the church over the abortion issue and voted for Bush, but he has realized all of the death and destruction the GOP has caused far outweighs that issue. Did I tell you how proud I am.

[Condem]

36. No, sir . Tell me how proud you are.

[prolesunited]

37. That would me ma'am

But I'm very proud. And my son, who's 23, voted in his first election. Try as I might, I couldn't get him to do it before, but he was registered ahead of the primary before I even had a chance to bug him this year.

Obama changed my family, next stop the world! :bounce:

[happyiowan]

18. kick

[eleny]

19. I just got goosebumps on my arms

Thi is news to me and I'm delighted to learn this and will be sure to watch.

[sniffa]

20. First Bull Run or Second Bull Run?

[NEDem]

22. Weren't they in the same place?

Or really damn close.

[Condem]

23. Same battlefield, NEDem

I think sniffa is making a joke. The first battle in July 1861 was between two green armies. The second in late August 1862 was between the A teams. A prelude to Antietam. Lee, Jackson & Longstreet all there for the second. A big loss for the Union.

[sniffa]

25. Indeed I am

I'm a Civil War junkie. :D

[Condem]

27. You and me both, sniffa!

Spent a whole summer studying at Gettysburg. Just the battlefield. Love to hear that.

[sniffa]

31. And even more geeky from me

One of my favorite Civ II games - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilization_II - is the Civil War scenario. I've learned that the South's trade is the key to victory in the game and that was very much true (to some extent) historically.

I'm currently conquering the world as President Barack Obama of the Americans in 1690 A.D.

[Condem]

32. Cotton was, indeed, king.

Man, I could talk all night about that war. The Wilderness. Now there was a fucked up battle.

[RagAss]

24. Excellent...Now if he'd only stand on Bunker Hill on Nov. 4th !!

[sniffa]

26. Or Breed's Hill

Another nerdy post in this thread.