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Rodney G. Graves
From the Archives

Copyright Ó 2005 by Rodney G. Graves, all rights reserved.

On Copperheads; 
Democratic Patriotism returns to Civil War standard

During the American Civil War there was a body of Northern Democrats who actively supported the South.  These traitors became known as Copperheads, after the poisonous snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) found throughout the region.

Exemplars of the treacherous breed included:

Representative Clement Vallandigham, Democrat of Ohio
Representative Fernando Wood, Democrat of New York.

The Copperheads championed the following positions:

• The North was responsible for pushing the South into secession
• The Republicans were committed to establishing racial equality, a prospect opposed by many working class immigrants who wanted to protect their low-paying jobs and by racists
• Lincoln had become a tyrant and was bent upon destroying civil liberties
• The war was a national tragedy and must be ended, even if that meant granting independence to the Confederacy.

• They assert that the United States is responsible for world terrorism.
• They believe that Iraqis are incapable of democratic self government.
• They assert that President Bush has become a tyrant and is bent upon destroying civil liberties.
• They assert that the War in Iraq is a national and international tragedy which we cannot win and which must be ended, even if that ending is a victory for the Terrorists.

It is certainly possible to disagree with the President's war policies without being a traitor.  But the combination of factors above demonstrates a reckless disregard both for the truth, and for the National Interests of the United States.

It is time and past time that this parallel be shouted from the rooftops and corners. Anyone who satisfies in their public writings or utterances three or more of the four tests above is a Copperhead.

These snakes have no honor and are actively working to the detriment of our nation. Let us call them on it.  When you see someone pass three of the four tests above, name them Copperhead.  Repeat the naming whenever and wherever they repeat these calumnies.  Dog their every public appearance and utterance with the name Copperhead such that all may see them and know them for what they are.