By John Johnson II
America’s history is replete with examples of how this government treated white confederate officers and soldiers who attempted to overthrow the Union during the Civil War of 1861-1865. President Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln after his assassination, was extremely lenient. Johnson chose not to try General Robert E. Lee and Confederate president Jefferson Davis as traitors. Further, no Confederate soldiers were ever tried for treason.
It should be noted that General Robert E. Lee was also pardoned by President Lincoln. Lee then later moved to Lexington, Virginia and became president of Washington College. Though Jefferson Davis was never tried, he served two years in prison after being captured near Irwin Ville, Georgia. Subsequently, he was released on bond in May 1867. Two years later, he died of acute bronchitis in New Orleans.
William A. Blair (2014) in his book, “With Malice Toward Some,” told how Northern states chose not to punish Confederate rebels. Instead, Blair stated, “The Northern states reconciled what appeared to be a heartfelt hatred of the rebels with a demonstrable record of leniency toward them.”
Never for once be ignorant to the facts of history. For it clearly shows that Northerners were pragmatic. They too recognized the impracticality of trying thousands of rebels and disloyal Southerners. They also recognized, just as today, all white juries wouldn’t likely convict other white men.
You’ve got to read Blair’s book. He vividly tells how we got to this benevolent admiration of the treasonous Confederacy. He stated, citing the words of Union Gen. George Thomas in 1868, “The lenient approach allowed Robert E. Lee and other Confederate leaders to become heroic figures to later generations of Americans of all sections.”
There’s more! Gen. Thomas stated that, “The crimes of treason might be covered with a counterfeit varnish of patriotism, so that the precipitators of the rebellion might go down in history hand-in-hand with the defenders of the (U.S.) Government.”
Unfortunately, it looks like history has already begun to repeat itself. The era of “white insurrectionists’ leniency,” is in full view for America. Paul Allard Hodgkins, 38, invaded the Capitol, carrying a Trump flag. He was charged with a felony but was sentenced to only 8 months in jail. He later told his attorney that he was disappointed he received any jail time. Black folks were annoyed but not really surprised. This is how justice is served to whites in America.
Judge Randolph Moss remarks were laced with white supremacy sentiments and reflected Confederate leniency of the past. He stated, “The case was challenging because it was unique, and the court couldn’t look to previous sentencing as a guide.” You’ve got to be kidding, this insurrectionist was charged with a felony!
Just look back, Marissa Alexander, a Black woman, was sentenced to 20, years for firing a warning shot against her allegedly abusive husband. Hervis Rogers is facing a lengthy prison sentence for casting a ballot, unbeknownst that his probation hadn’t ended. It’s obvious that the Texas criminal justice system will not hesitate to send Mr. Rogers back to prison.
It’s clearly obvious that America continues to be divided and demonstrably lenient towards white Americans who continue to commit treasonous crimes of rebellion or insurrection against the government. Just as in the past, this heartfelt passion towards domestic terrorists will invariably encourage others to seek to overthrow the government merely because they’re unhappy with the results of an election.
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