Dem
47
GOP
53
The South may rise again. But if it's going to do so, it will have to pay its taxes first.
In the years after the Civil War, the two most important lobbying groups in the South were the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) and the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). The latter was particularly important, as it had the largest number of members, and the highest amount of organizational discipline. If you've ever seen a statue honoring some Confederate—anywhere in the country—there is at least a 90% chance it was commissioned by the UDC. The organization was also, alongside the Southern Historical Society (SHS), the leading player in promoting the "Lost Cause" ideology of the Civil War. And in case you are wondering, Margaret Mitchell was not a UDC member, but she DID get a special citation from the organization:
The Daughters were just thrilled, of course, by Mitchell's magnum opus, Gone with the Wind. Presumably, they were impressed by its commitment to historical accuracy. We can't imagine any other reason the UDC would like the book.
Because the UDC, the SCV, the SHS and these other groups wielded enormous political influence, they were able to wangle tax-exempt status. Apparently, in being dedicated to keeping the memory of insurrectionists alive, they were performing a public service. This would seem to be good news for anyone looking to start a group dedicated to the 1/6 insurrection. The tax breaks have allowed the Virginia UDC, which should really be something like the UGGGGDC these days, to build up a tidy bankroll north of $15 million.
But now, in the Old Dominion State at least, the tax breaks have come to an end. Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) just signed into law HB167, which ends the tax-exempt status of Confederate heritage groups. So, if someone wants to honor violent, white supremacist insurrectionists, they will have to do it on their own dime. Or, buy a Trump Bible—whichever's easier. At the same time, Spanberger signed into law a bill that discontinues license plates featuring the UDC and Robert E. Lee. Now, just create some U.S. Grant license plates, and we're in business, Madame Governor.
The Lost Cause narrative of the Civil War has lingered for a long time. But now, with the sesquicentennial of the war in the rear-view mirror, it looks like the Lost Cause's days may be numbered, no matter how hard Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth might try to resist.
Have a good weekend, all! (Z)