This original 1863 leaf presents the incredible story and pictures of the Runaway Slave Gordon. The leaf describes Gordon's amazing story. Gordon escaped slavery in Mississippi. The leaf describes how Gordon escaped captivity by rubbing himself with onions, to foil the plantation owner's hounds, which had been sent to track Gordon down. Gordon effectively made it to UNION (Emphasis mine.. coincutter) forces stationed at Baton Rouge. The picture at the left shows Gordon in tattered clothes, showing the poor shape he was in upon finding refuge with the Union army. The center illustration shows Gordon's back, scared from endless brutal whippings at his master's hand. The third illustration shows Gordon in Union uniform, after joining the Union Army. The story surrounding the images gives an incredible account of Gordon's escape and induction into the Northern Army.

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NOW MY BLOG....

I like "Old Fat guy" on here. Just, I don't think we could ever hang out and not "disagree". I got no problem with that, I hardly agree with anyone. As long as they are "civil" when they talk their feelings.. so am I. He has been so far, I will say that. This blog was inspired by my chats with him.

One of the main things I "disagree" with fats, is on this "Black thing". I am not "naieve", I know world history. I know the Blacks in Africa sold some other blacks they didn't want to "whites". Looked like a good deal to the whites, just ship them over to this new country.. make them do whatever you want. I will say, there were alot of millionares made a hundred years ago, and it was on the "sweat" of the Black race. I don't deny they were "mis-treated, used, tortured, and alot of other things". I can't in a right mind, even fathom how a thinking person (and most then claimed to be Christian) would find it "OK" to enslave another person to do their work for them. In my opinion, I am "ashamed" of this country for that. I am ashamed of the white race for that. Not all did it, but alot did. That's why I symphatise with the "blacks" on alot of levels. Alot however I don't.

I know alot of "good minded" northern whites fought in the "Civil war" to free the blacks. Alot of men died. I know even though the south mainly relied on slave labor (the north didn't have too), many southerners also tried to help the blacks. One area of contention to me is... I have almost NEVER heard from a black person.. some of the "sacrifices" whites have made (to free them). I never heard them say.. "Ya know, there was alot of good white men too... trying to free us". No, the message of the "Blacks in America" has mostly been "Whites hold us down"! We can't get jobs because of whites.. things like that.

Affirmative action (for those who know what it is) was important years ago. Those days are long gone. Before, a Black couldn't get into a school.. a job.. whatever. Those days are behind. Today we have a "Black President", yesterday, we had black generals, black political leaders... Black TV personalities are everywhere.. and do you watch sports? How many black "millionares" are there in sports? I honestly believe, the "black man" has equal opportunity today. Same as whites. Opportunity is more based on "money" now. If your daddy is rich, you got a better chance at a good college (or whatever)..

Now this is a valid (but un-true) argument to me. Alot of "Blacks" will say.. "I grew up in the hood"! My momma and daddy didn't have money.. I lived on the "streets" just to survive". I didn't make it, because I had no money. The "white man" was built from black men. That's why so many whites have money. Passed down from generation to generation. So today the "whites" have it easy... the black man doesn't.

If you don't think they think this way (many, most) you are dead wrong! Blacks think because their heritage was "slavery" and what their "great great grandfather" suffered.. they are entitled to "take" whatever. No not all, but go to Detroit.. and listen for awhile. You'll notice real quick like why "racism" exists...

Blacks teach their kids about the "History" of Blacks in America. Ok, that's all cool.. because it happened. The problem is this. They almost "overstate" things and their kids grow up thinking the "white man" owes them something. Hey, maybe some of you "whities" here got a "silver spoon" handed to you from your "white slave owning grandpa", but I didn't get chit... lol.

Go to Detroit... I been there "lots even".. lol. You will find no lack of young "Black men", in gangs.. ready to kill you for your "Nike shoes". Work around them awhile, listen to them. MOST I can say for a fact, are sold on the belief that "whitey" owes them something. Yes, poverty, drugs.. all play a factor. But I also know... growing up hearing how "the white man" did this, did that, and still does" to us (from parents)... is a "huge problem".

If Blacks really want this "racism" to end, don't say it with every fucking breath you take. Most whites I know don't sit around the table talking about blacks at all. Not till they see on on TV or something brings up "racism", then most I know will have a thought to say.

Am I racist? Not at all. I got many black friends... and I talk pretty open to them too. Not that they agree... but all my friends get to know me. And most remain friends.

Fats?!!, slavery is ended. The civil war is over. There is no segregation and we have a "Black" President.... You think I don't "understand", but I understand more then you think. Blacks in general, keep racism alive more then anything...

Gary (still love ya tho Fats :)