Tolerance.

Because Mrs. McKinney, I have to tell you – to put up with the likes of you, woman, day in and day out, year in and year out, Joseph McKinney must be the most tolerant man on the planet. Either that or deep down he’s a wuss who has been dominated by your superior attitude.

As for me and most men I know, we’d have thrown you out of the house on your ass years ago. God bless Joe for being able to put up with your personality disorders.

Insulting current servicemembers, claiming to have first-hand knowledge of Civil War cavalry service from riding around on a domesticated horse for a few hours, and claiming spiritual kinship with none other than Jeb Stuart simply because of it.

There are good doctors and great medications out there, my lady. I’d advise you quickly make use of both.

I’m a Virginian. My wife and I own the part of my house that the bank does not. I’ve ridden horses and even worn a uniform while doing so. I even enjoy Civil Wat era music, just like JEB Stuart. None of that makes me a cavalryman. It seems all too fitting that you think riding horses around for several hours for a few days is the same as being in the cavalry during wartime.

I find it reprehensible that someone who’s spent a career in the rear would speculate on where someone was serving in a current warzone. My understanding (despite having never served myself) is that there really are no rear areas in this war. I read a great article in the Stars and Stripes 2012 Heroes issue about a 2LT in logistics leading her platoon while under attack delivering supplies. Why it would matter where someone served in regards to this issue, I have no idea.

I’ve always heard military intelligence was an oxymoron. I think you’re doing a good job of proving that!

“The Brandy Station Foundation is a 501(c)-3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural and historic resources of the Brandy Station area of Culpeper County, Virginia.

“While our focus is toward the Civil War history of the Brandy Station vicinity, our efforts are not limited to that time period or by any geographic boundaries. We have been instrumental in the preservation of significant tracts of land related to the Battle of Brandy Station (June 9, 1863) and Kelly’s Ford (March 17, 1863). We operate the Graffiti House, which serves as our visitor center and museum.

“Our goal is to ensure the history and heritage of the area is not “paved over” in our rush to progress. ”

What part of this does the family McKinney not understand? Preservation is about saving the land for future generations. Walking the grounds allows scholars to write more accurately. A good friend of mine is always saying, “Terrain drives the battle.” You gotta walk the grounds to understand. Why haven’t the McKinneys figured out this basic preservation concept?

Preservation must be a burning passion. A Case in point. I corresponded many times with the late historian & pioneer preservationist Brian Pohanka. We both shared a love of Zouave units. And Brian was very giving. His responses, while extremely informative, were always short and to the point. He was a busy man. I knew that. One day I wrote to congratulate Brian on a preservation award. His resly was, considering Brian, War and Peace. He went on and on discussing preservation and why we need to stay focused. Bud Hall, Eric Wittenberg and many others are focused! Those not so inclined need to step aside and get out of the way. And please quit masquerading as preservationists. That galls me! I’d rather have you against us or totally apthetic.

Eric please forgive my rant. I do apologize. IF you need to remove it from your blog, I do understand.

Mike Peters
Color Bearer Civil War Trust, an organization that gets it.

If I may borrow from Senator Bentsen, “I know Jeb Stuart and you’re NO Jeb Stuart.” Hell, you’re not even Dan Quayle,

And I’m offended that you question Todd’s service like your husband’s service in Nam trumps anyone else’s service. A retired officer acting like that? WOW!

Bottom line is hallowed ground was desecrated on your huisband’s watch. And it was land he was supposed to protect. That you can not refute. You can pound the desk all you want. Doesn’t change the facts.

Mike Peters

Actually, no I didn’t. It was never published. If I had published it, the “G-Rating” of my blog would have dropped down to a PG-13, or maybe even R. You should read my policy about comments.

I find myself completely flabbergasted by the epic scope of your egotism. Comparing yourself–a REMF if ever there was one–with the finest cavalry officer ever foaled on this continent? Surely, you jest.

Watch the 1988 movie “Working Girl” some time. Joan Cusack has a line that you should really heed, because it applies to you: “Sometimes I sing and dance around the house in my underwear. Doesn’t make me Madonna. Never will.” Just because you’re a wannabe doesn’t make you Jeb Stuart. Live it. Learn it.

And if you truly believe what you’ve written, then you need some very serious psychiatric help.

You and your husband have no idea the level of sacrifice necessary to save the Brandy Station battlefield from destruction, so don’t lecture us madame. Enjoy riding your horses in France, and as a fellow Virginian, historian, and true preservationist – I have serious reservations about how much you really have in common with the great JEB Stuart. I’m sure he’s laughing at that comment from heaven.