http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20080126/NEWS/628854742/1007
Hard to believe it's been 25 years. There will never be another one like him.
RTR!
Hard to believe it's been 25 years. There will never be another one like him.
RTR!
| FTBL The last Confederate General
- Thread starter Denny Chimes
- Start date
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Great read bro, I don't like the phrase "The last Confederate General" IMO the man was much more than that. His leadership on and off the field help guide all types of people through out the state and country.
Many calm Bryant broke the color barrier in T-town when USC came a callin and whooped us good. That woke up the state and showed everyone in Alabama regardless of color if you're a football player the ball doesn't care what skin color you have.
Although I would compar him to Stonewall in some ways an man of strong character, qualities of honesty, courage, and integrity. Over the last 15 years we haven't had those qualities at the U of A which is why we in our current state. With the hiring of CNS hopefully we can restore our rightful place that Mr. Brant worked so hard for.
Many calm Bryant broke the color barrier in T-town when USC came a callin and whooped us good. That woke up the state and showed everyone in Alabama regardless of color if you're a football player the ball doesn't care what skin color you have.
Although I would compar him to Stonewall in some ways an man of strong character, qualities of honesty, courage, and integrity. Over the last 15 years we haven't had those qualities at the U of A which is why we in our current state. With the hiring of CNS hopefully we can restore our rightful place that Mr. Brant worked so hard for.
I am not sure why, I can't place my finger on it....but for some reason that article made me tear up.
The only thing in it I did not understand was the part about the 40 year old who was "too young to remember Bryant walking the sidelines."
I beg to differ. I am 31 and I remember three times watching him on the sidelines. I was far too young to care who he was or why it was important. All I knew is that I was there to root for the good guys in Crimson.
My father who took me to the game put his big hand on my shoulder and said,
"Son...I want you to look at that man over there on the sidelines."
"Which one dad?"
"The big one with the black and white hat on."
He then pointed to Coach Bryant. I followed the direction of his point and was able to pick the big man out. I remember he was striding the sidelines in a white collared shirt with black-grey slacks on. I remember even at that age being impressed by the manner with which he walked. Being four years old at the time though, I was more interested in Go-Bots.
"I see him dad. Who is that?"
"Son, that is Coach Bryant. I just want you to remember that you saw him."
"Yes sir."
I have never forgotten.
The only thing in it I did not understand was the part about the 40 year old who was "too young to remember Bryant walking the sidelines."
I beg to differ. I am 31 and I remember three times watching him on the sidelines. I was far too young to care who he was or why it was important. All I knew is that I was there to root for the good guys in Crimson.
My father who took me to the game put his big hand on my shoulder and said,
"Son...I want you to look at that man over there on the sidelines."
"Which one dad?"
"The big one with the black and white hat on."
He then pointed to Coach Bryant. I followed the direction of his point and was able to pick the big man out. I remember he was striding the sidelines in a white collared shirt with black-grey slacks on. I remember even at that age being impressed by the manner with which he walked. Being four years old at the time though, I was more interested in Go-Bots.
"I see him dad. Who is that?"
"Son, that is Coach Bryant. I just want you to remember that you saw him."
"Yes sir."
I have never forgotten.
I can promise you a 41 year old remembers him well, and remembers watching him roam those sidelines. I was a Junior in High School when he passed, I remember it like yesterday. Coach Bryant is and will always be the best coach to ever grace a sideline. Period!
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I don't care much for the title Confederate General, either. Last time I checked, we lost that war and everybody knows Coach Bryant wasn't nothing but a winner. (Screw the grammar)
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Bo7 said:
Well said Bo! Great point too!
Regardless of the outcome, the general staff of the Confederacy was considered an elite group. The abilities of a few of those generals, especially those in the ANV, is what kept the South on top.
Look past modern BS and actually study a little bit about history. In MANY ways, the South was right and felt they were fighting for a just cause. (NO IT WASN'T SLAVERY) All the North proved was that if you have more industrial strength and manpower, you can eventually win regardless of your ineptness.
I will not debate the causes and effects of that war on a football forum, but I have respect for my ancestors. Their views on government, freedom, and states rights were correct. They fought valiantly and lost, yet still retained their honor. The ones who stood fast with sore and bleeding feet, little or no pay, and starved to death deserve more respect than to not be considered winners. They may not have won, but many of them never willingly surrendered.
Do you consider Vietnam veterans losers?
War and football are not equivocal.
Look past modern BS and actually study a little bit about history. In MANY ways, the South was right and felt they were fighting for a just cause. (NO IT WASN'T SLAVERY) All the North proved was that if you have more industrial strength and manpower, you can eventually win regardless of your ineptness.
I will not debate the causes and effects of that war on a football forum, but I have respect for my ancestors. Their views on government, freedom, and states rights were correct. They fought valiantly and lost, yet still retained their honor. The ones who stood fast with sore and bleeding feet, little or no pay, and starved to death deserve more respect than to not be considered winners. They may not have won, but many of them never willingly surrendered.
Do you consider Vietnam veterans losers?
War and football are not equivocal.
Bamapossum said:
Thank you, possum. My sentiments exactly!
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Great read possum.Bamapossum said:
Confederate General
I agree. Coach Bryant was much more than a Southern General. He was a great man North, South, East or West.
Growing up in South Ga, the war from my Great Grandfathers perspective had nothing to do with freeing the slaves until after the war. He claimed the carpet baggers from up north did that. I just know that it is not right.
Our world history of the past and present is full of countries conquering other countries and making slaves of the captured subjects. Many of the Southern land barrons left the south and moved to places like Bolivia and Argentina after the war. I guess they jumped from the firing pan into the fire.
Some of us are slaves to our Jobs, the Gov., Wives, Girl friends, etc. I am a slave to BAMA Football. RollllTide!
Optimus said:
I agree. Coach Bryant was much more than a Southern General. He was a great man North, South, East or West.
Growing up in South Ga, the war from my Great Grandfathers perspective had nothing to do with freeing the slaves until after the war. He claimed the carpet baggers from up north did that. I just know that it is not right.
Our world history of the past and present is full of countries conquering other countries and making slaves of the captured subjects. Many of the Southern land barrons left the south and moved to places like Bolivia and Argentina after the war. I guess they jumped from the firing pan into the fire.
Some of us are slaves to our Jobs, the Gov., Wives, Girl friends, etc. I am a slave to BAMA Football. RollllTide!
Your great grandfather might not have totally been right, but here is a hint to help you understand almost all wars. Follow the money. Especially as it ties to the major political figures.
See Lincoln and the Whig party. (He went GOP after the Whigs dissolved) Centralized government. Increased taxation, particularly on imports and exports (tariffs), is a bigger elephant in the room than any of the other issues.
Get a few real history books.
Just remember that the battle cry for American independence was not freedom, it was freedom from taxation without representation.
See Lincoln and the Whig party. (He went GOP after the Whigs dissolved) Centralized government. Increased taxation, particularly on imports and exports (tariffs), is a bigger elephant in the room than any of the other issues.
Get a few real history books.
Just remember that the battle cry for American independence was not freedom, it was freedom from taxation without representation.
Politics in mixed company
Because it is written in a book doesn't mean it is truth. The Whigs had a very different vision: they wanted to deepen the socio-economic system by adding more and more layers of complexity, such as banks, factories, and railroads. I am amazed that they failed. In the mid 50s this belief about the Civil War was common knowledge. Reading does give you many perspectives, and it is another view that all of us need to study. Religious differences causes more wars than anything.
My Great grandfather also believed that man did not land on the moon. He went to his grave with that certainty. He made me think and question anything that the media may push on us. (I do believe that we have a sample of the green cheese)
How lucky us older folks have it, because we can see other view points without having to stay in the right box or getting our panties in a wad when others disagree. I have read many great history books, and do know that this great country is full of heroes from many colors. We are THE melting pot.
Bear Bryant was a great hero for America, not just the South.
RollllTide!
Bamapossum said:
Because it is written in a book doesn't mean it is truth. The Whigs had a very different vision: they wanted to deepen the socio-economic system by adding more and more layers of complexity, such as banks, factories, and railroads. I am amazed that they failed. In the mid 50s this belief about the Civil War was common knowledge. Reading does give you many perspectives, and it is another view that all of us need to study. Religious differences causes more wars than anything.
My Great grandfather also believed that man did not land on the moon. He went to his grave with that certainty. He made me think and question anything that the media may push on us. (I do believe that we have a sample of the green cheese)
How lucky us older folks have it, because we can see other view points without having to stay in the right box or getting our panties in a wad when others disagree. I have read many great history books, and do know that this great country is full of heroes from many colors. We are THE melting pot.
Bear Bryant was a great hero for America, not just the South.
RollllTide!
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