GDG- Winter Stomp

[Tom Ryan]

Happy New Year everyone.  I woke earlier this morning to find the continuing
lively, energetic, and, at times, flinty discussion about Wright's brigade
on July 2.  Very interesting and entertaining.  I have nothing pertinent to
add to the technical aspects of the dialogue, but did want to wish everyone
the best in the coming year.  In an earlier post I expressed regret not
being able to attend Chuck's walk and talk at the Winter Stomp.  There were
a couple of off-hand retorts to the effect that it was going to a fantasy
tour, or something to that effect.

However, I find that every visit to Gettysburg for the purpose of walking
the ground with a knowledgeable guide is an experience that no one should
miss if possible.  Regardless whether one agrees with the individual's
conclusions, the benefit comes from actually being there at the site and
seeing the location where things happened while listening to a description
of these events.  Nothing can replace that, and it is always a motivator to
delve deeper into the subject.

On another subject, this morning on Book TV, James Simon talked about his
new book called "Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney: Slavery, Secession, and
the President's War Powers."  The author discussed the three issues listed
in the title, and more than once commented that Lincoln would not have been
elected president escept for Roger Taney's written opinion in the Dred Scott
case.  He tied the decision to the Lincoln-Douglas debates that led to
national recognition for Lincoln, even though he lost the Senate race to
Douglas in 1858.

Is this book on anyone's radar screen yet?

Tom Ryan