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Yes, the Civil War was about slavery.

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Yes, the Civil War was about slavery

This note is in response to The News Journal's July 25 editorial regarding sale of the Confederate Flags and related symbols at the Delaware State Fair. Two important pieces of evidence were missed supporting the point that the Civil War was essentially about protecting slavery not "States Rights."

All through the early 19th Century, southern states argued for federal primacy over northern free states that attempted to help or protect runaway or relocated slaves. Many northern states fought federal enforcement of the federal Fugitive Slave Acts of 1793 and 1850 arguing for "States Rights." The Dread Scott case, in essence declaring blacks could not be citizens under the U.S. Constitution, asserted federal primacy over individual states' rights.

The Confederacy was about slavery. Its flag has no place at the Delaware state fair.

Delaware State Fair vendors ordered to remove Confederate flags

In addition, some have argued that the Corwin Amendment to the Constitution, passed by the U.S. Congress in early 1861, made slavery permanent under the Constitution, so "Why would the South start a war to preserve slavery if it was already protected?"

The answer is simple and has two parts. 

First, The Corwin Amendment to the Constitution was never ratified by enough states and had little chance of being successfully ratified. Plus the southern/slave states started seceding from the Union before it had any chance of succeeding. 

Second, demographic trends and differences in economic and population growth rates between southern/slave and northern/free states suggest that southern states rightly saw the odds rapidly decreasing of being able to hold dominance in Congress and the Presidency to protect the Fugitive Slave Acts of 1793 & 1850, and the Dread Scott Decision.

The southern/slave states feared that they were losing control of the federal government and its support for slavery. They changed their tune about supporting federal dominance over states rights when federal policy would likely soon no longer support slavery.

David R. Guinnup, Bear

Stop Trump, restore America

As Americans go to the polls in November for one of the most important elections in a generation, they need to let the world know what they truly believe America is all about — a broad and inclusive democracy, a nation that respects the rights of all, a country that rallies against corrupt and tyrannical governments and allies itself with nations around the world that respect and honor traditional American values.  

These qualities are totally lacking in this present administration led by a narcissistic, self-serving, xenophobic president who idolizes tyrants and dictators, who spouts out hatred and bigotry, who belittles women and the disabled, and who bullies anyone who even dares to criticize or oppose him.

In an effort to return America to our time-honored qualities of compassion, morality, honesty, civility, fairness, and yes, spirituality, I suggest consideration of the following slogans that the Democrats might want to consider as they strive to oust those Republican enablers who have allied themselves with Trump’s destructive agenda: 

  • Restore the American Dream!
  •  Bring Principled American Leadership Back!
  • Uphold American Values Again!
  • Bring Back Our American Democracy!
  • Take America on the High Road Again!
  • America  -- the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

We need to take back Congress and begin impeachment proceedings against a lying, “Putin Fan Boy” president fitting Russia’s definition of the “useful idiot.” It is our best chance to reverse dangerous policies threatening not only American citizens but the world!

—Rebecca Scarborough, Frederica

Housing authority board made bad choice

In a private meeting for the executive director for the Wilmington Housing Authority, the board of commissioners decided to hire John Hill after reviewing his past history in Nevada. Is this in the best interest of Wilmington? Is this truly the best we can do?

Mr. Mayor — you need to step in! Especially since the interim deputy director is a female who has been passed over for a second time, while this man has been charged with gender discrimination, which resulted in a payoff of $177,500. 

The WHA doesn't need to deal with this baggage, and the citizens of Wilmington deserve better. 

Sandra Taylor, Wilmington

Dog restaurant story made me smile

To the lady from Chadd's Ford: The news is worrisome, but read in the July 25th Food and Drink section, page D 1 and 2, the delightful story about the restaurant "Salty Paws" in Rehoboth. It should bring a smile to your face.

—Carol M. Hughes, Wilmington