It has been my contention for a very long time, that the Confederate government should have been more supportive of the Partisians during the "War of Northern Arrogance". Had they concentrated on taking the war to the Yankees on their home court ie: Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, as Morgan, Bennett, and others did on a small scale, I believe with all my heart there would have been a different outcome to the war.     However, that scenerio was not all that favorable within the actual government nor with it's commanders including Marse Robert. I suppose it goes back to the "Southern Gentleman" ideology. There is certainly nothing wrong with being gentleman -like, except in my opinion it doesn't apply to warfare. Of course my people invented guerilla warfare. The OSAGE were notorious for their hard hitting suprise attacks upon enemies greater in number. They were also mighty big on "No Quarter".    Ya see I can't fault my Indian or my Partisian ancestors for takin it to the enemy. I am a firm believer in a war of offense instead of defense. I base this belief on campaigns from history, as well as personal experiences within the mountains and jungles of Guatemala and Honduras.     I am of the belief that in warfare (like in everyday life) tis better to give than recieve. Now, I'm sure someone readin this is chuckelin to themselves. But, I mean that with utmost sincerity. We were all brought up ( I hope) to believe it truly is better to give something to someone that to get something. Well, if that holds with gifts then it sure as hell should be the same in tactics of war.     I have read for hours upon hours the movements and battle strategies of Indian leader after leader, as well as those of Morgan, Mosby, Quantrill, and the brilliant young Captain Jake Bennett who my gg grandfather served under in the 10th Ky. Partisian Rangers. Although at times brutal to say the least, I cant find fault. Lining row after row of men shoulder to shoulder in Napoleonic tactics, only to have them cut down wave after wave, is to me far more horrific and brutal.    Now, having made my case for raids to the North in the past, let's move on to the present. Illinois, in the past couple of weeks, has become pretty much alive of late with Confederate activity. This is based on a couple of contributing factors one, which in the best interest of all I will leave unaddressed at this time, and one I will freely speak of.    Now Confederate symbols such as flags and T shirts are "old hat" so to speak. Lord, you can't pick up a newspaper or read an online, that doesn't have a story about some principal, or school board bloated on power, intent on the genocide of anything Confederate. I suppose it is safe to say this has been the "norm" not the exception throughout the South for near 20 years.    As remarkable as it may seem to Southerners, up here behind enemy lines, such "goings on" are more the "exception" than the norm. However, this past week that all changed in the small town of Murphsboro, in Southern Illinois. Now, I am very familar with Murphsboro. It is a little down home kind of town that is adjacent to Carbondale, the home of Southern Illinois University. Murphsboro is known for its "Apple Festival", for a devastating tornado years back, and for it's scenic natural attractions. It's locals are as "down home" as anyone anywhere. They are good people. The residents are the kind of folks that you are a stranger only for a few minutes, then it's like ya'll have known each other forever. This is at least the way that Pam and I have always thought of it. If ya'll start in Murphysboro, and head east on rt .13 as far as ya can drive the area comprises what I will refer to the "Cradle of the Confederacy of Southern Illinois." In the period just prior to the war, as well as during, Copperheads and seccessionists thrived in the area.     From the reaction from within the community last week, when it was brought to light that Confederate clothing and jewlery was banned at a local school there, and that there was a young girl petitioning for the removal of all Confederate flags, stickers, etc off the students cars and trucks driven to school, I believe it safe to say there are more than a few "Southron Sympathisers" still left in the area.    Reliable sources from the area, have advised me that many in Murphysboro, including parents of students have taken much offense (as they should) at the censorship, of what clearly is the right of free speech. Other sources in the community, have reported that the principal, as well the local media has recieved lots of mail and phone calls from locals and Southrons alike, voicing their dismay at the situation.    I think the situation in Murphysboro is far from over. With the school year coming to an end in a couple of weeks,I don't see the issue of Confederate symbols on the students cars being resolved. I am more inclined to believe that decision will be made over the course of the summer. Hopefully, with some common sense and fairness and right on the part of the principal and the school board. Let us pray that is the case.    Time will tell as with all matters. I do feel quite comfortable knowing that there are legions of "keyboard Confederates" at the ready and willing to bring the fight North via cyberspace. If that fails then we shall have to look at other alternatives. With the State of Illinois, being nearly bankrupt, (including its schools), I would say that timing for a legal battle within the system is prime, and in the favor of the "goodguys" for a change. Of course that is just my opinion. And as it has been pointed out several times, I am but a "halfbreed hick with a flag on a stick", how much can I know? For the Glory and Grace of the Old South as well as the New that could be. I remain vigilant behind enemy lines, in the land of Lincoln. T. Warren