Sherman’s Civil War Bummer or Who Are You?

Sherman’s Civil War Bummer received a comment on the blog recently, that inquired, “Who are you? So what’s the deal? What is behind this blog?” Bummer recognized the name of the curious one, as a scholar and historian, that Bummer reads on a daily basis. The inquiry took this “old guy” totally by surprise and being a little paranoid, schizoid and insecure, by nature, but still flattered, that someone of his stature would be curious. A stealthy Sherman Bummer replied,

“Bummer doesn’t know what deal you’re referring to. My handle is Bummer, am not hard to find. The only motivation for this blog is to share  some of what has been studied and read over the last fifty years. This “old guy” learns something from people like yourself everyday. There is no hidden agenda on this blog or ulterior motive.This student continues
to study and enjoy you…..Brooks and Kevin daily. Thanks for asking.”

The scholar retorted,

“not suggesting any hidden agenda, just wanted an orientation to your pov.”

Honestly, Bummer had to ponder the meaning of “pov”. What did it mean, was it code, did it have a sinister edge, was it similar to a CV or even possibly an SUV. Googling the mystery and discovering that it meant “Point of View”, a whole diverse world of mental anguish and self-examination descended on the “old Bummer”. This student realized then and there, that business should have been forsaken  and concentrated on an academic regimen, with an emphasis on American History and Political Science or even Psychology. Gathering the jangle of nerves and thoughts, the concept of “Point of View” began to materialize and Bummer replied,

“Regarding POV. First a little background, not that it’s necessary, but since you were so kind to ask, Bummer was raised in the “Golden State” and spent 60 plus years reaping the benefits of the dynamic growth, that occurred during the 60′s and 70′s. Spent too many years studying nothing of much practical use. Owned and operated several related businesses, some successful and some not, most with a direct tie to the entertainment industry. However, pre-Civil War politics were always a special interest and the younger Bummer read volumes, of the scholars of the time, regarding their political positioning. A natural direction, was The War itself and unique attention was paid to the results of the conflict and how they effected this countries future. The Bummer family includes several wives, the latest, of 30 plus years, five children, three grand children and all five of Bummer’s children are self-sustaining, politically independent adults.

Bummer’s ancestry is from Eastern Tennessee, Missouri and Oklahoma, a grandfather being raised on the Comanche reservation of the Southwestern portion of that Territory. So much of this youngster’s heritage was learned and absorbed from the closeness of this relationship. Most kin were Pro-Union during the Civil War with a few rebels in the woodpile. Bummer is fortunate to have diaries, letters and journals of the Civil War era and relates both oral and written family history in many posts.

Bummer, wife and Lab, Indiana, moved to a small town on the Northern Plains 18 months ago. The pace is so different from California. The local folks are laid back, taking life as it comes and if they are judgemental, they don’t feel a need to share it. Friendly and kind, these common folks know the importance of survival, family and political independence. No visible racial or ethnic bias is evident, they are willing to live and let live.

An up-side of the move, was a close friend, since forever, was terminally ill within several miles and we spent his last days remembering our “trail of tears”. The AIM activist will always be fondly remembered and will miss his counsel.The Lakota icon was instrumental in convincing “this student” to begin sharing the tales of Bummer’s varied heritage.

Having the time and the inclination to study and write is a precious opportunity. Reading and sometimes commenting on Kevin Levin, Brooks Simpson, Andy Hall, Robert Moore, Pat Young and many others is a cherished honor and I hope “this old guy” still has enough time to absorb more of these scholar’s research and knowledge. Every day above ground for a guy like Bummer, is a blessing and thanks for generating a little….Food for Thought.”

The curious scholar and historian replied.

“Cool. Thanks. Just wanted to know a little about you.”

Sherman’s Civil War Bummer, in reflection, probably shared more, than the curious scholar and historian intended, with his query of “Who Are You?” But as Paul Harvey use to say, at the closing of his radio broadcasts, “And Now for the Rest of the Story”, thanks for reading.

Bummer