Ok. Let's dissect a few of these claims:

1. Many people don't want to believe that the citizens of the Southern states were willing to fight and die to preserve a morally repugnant institution.

So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object attained. – General Robert E. Lee

I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going. I have not said anything about politics today. I don’t propose to say anything about politics. You have a right to elect whom you please; vote for the man you think best, and I think, when that is done, you and I are freemen. Do as you consider right and honest in electing men for office. I did not come here to make you a long speech, although invited to do so by you. I am not much of a speaker, and my business prevented me from preparing myself. I came to meet you as friends, and welcome you to the white people. I want you to come nearer to us. When I can serve you I will do so. We have but one flag, one country; let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment. Many things have been said about me which are wrong, and which white and black persons here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I’ll come to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you have afforded me to be with you, and to assure you that I am with you in heart and in hand. – General Nathaniel Bedford Forrest

2. The South fought to "Preserve the Peculiar institution of slavery". First this is a rewording of the previous point which is lame but let's play ball:

The South seceded as they had irreparable political differences

Secession belongs to a different class of remedies. It is to be justified upon the basis that the States are Sovereign. There was a time when none denied it. I hope the time may come again, when a better comprehension of the theory of our Government, and the inalienable rights of the people of the States, will prevent any one from denying that each State is a Sovereign, and thus may reclaim the grants which it has made to any agent whomsoever. – Jefferson Davis

“Union among ourselves is not only necessary for our safety, but for the preservation of the common liberties and institutions of the whole confederacy. We constitute the balance wheel of our complex and beautiful political system. We are, and must continue to be, in a permanent minority in the Union. Our geographical position, our industry, pursuits, and institutions, are all peculiar. Our safety and prosperity depend on maintaining, in their full vigor, the restrictions imposed on the powers granted by the Constitution. So long as these are so maintained, and the powers confined to the objects intended by that sacred compact, we will be safe and prosperous, but no longer. There is no fear, but the stronger portions of the Union will maintain the powers in their full vigor. The limitations are of far less comparative value to them. They can protect themselves without them; and, in fact, so far from a benefit, they are but too apt to regard them as unnecessary restraints on their power. If we do not take care of them, none will, and the government will practicably become one of unlimited powers.” John C. Calhoun

Was Alexander Stephen's speech racist as hell? Sure but before we assume he speaks for the Confederacy lets compare the Confederate VP to President Lincoln.

Our republican system was meant for a homogeneous people. As long as blacks continue to live with the whites they constitute a threat to the national life. Family life may also collapse and the increase of mixed breed bastards may some day challenge the supremacy of the white man.

In regards to the Emancipation Proclamation; lets look at the text:

the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free

Wait... what about the slaves in Kentucky? Delaware? Maryland? Missouri? Oh yeah! They kept slaves because they were not in Confederate states. The Emancipation Proclamation only effected states which seceded and as they did not acknowledge Lincoln this had no teeth. The E.P. was a political gesture to distract from the draft riots rather than a meaningful sentiment.

Now Colonel Todd talks about positive statistics. Does he mention the following:

• Up to 150,000 Jews impacted by General Order 11
• The Massacre at Wounded Knee (That was the Union army)
• Burning crops and salting fields to starve Southern families
• The forced drafts and executions in Cynthiana, KY

Ok. That's enough effort for a reply that will probably be seen by less than 5 people.

Todd Siedule is a leftist from NY and quite biased. Feel free to let him know I'll gladly own his ass if he ever wants to try and talk history though.