Ubiquitin,
Whilst I’m no expert in Civil War history, one thing is certain, the info you (and many others) have — based on your conclusions and confusion – are all via the one-sided media version, from the likes of CNN. Or even if from History writings, and, as the Southerners call it the “Yankee version”. Many books and research have been written on the very core of the subject and is far from the scope of YWN comment to elaborate.
Basically, you should ask yourself/research the following before you decide that a) all confederates are “traitors”. b) The Civil war was ALL about slavery etc.
1) What are the constitutional terms of State rights?
2) What is the law and procedures regarding Headstones and burial for Confederate soldiers? (Did they receive the same honor treatments as reg. Union US soldiers)
3) What is the law regarding pensions – did Confederate soldiers receive any USA pensions, as all soldiers receive? (Hint: US Public Law 85-425 sec 410)
If any of the two is yes, then outright “treason” couldn’t have been committed.
4) Was anyone (Jefferson Davis?) prosecuted for “treason” after the civil war (and if yes, by which law/account. Furthermore, search: ruling of US Supreme Court Chief Justice Salmon Chase)?
5) Was slavery a constitutional right? i.e. PRIOR to the 13th Amendment.
5) And lastly and mainly, does Secession = treason or altogether legal?
Hint – search “US Supreme Court Chief Justice Salmon Chase” ruling.
What are our constitutional rights, if let’s say, the Feds decides to take away our rights e.g. freedom of religion? Can some states decide to secede or fight the Feds? Will they be considered “traitors”?
Note, whatever might be the conclusion of the above does not really matter, it surely indicates that the matter is far from simple fact as the left media has portrayed it, to the extent that fellow commentators are ‘wondering’ why and how statutes are honored.
There is a saying “history is written by the conquer” however, this is rather simply by the ignorant masses, who obtain their history via 5 min clips and media headlines .