Talk by Frank Thistlethwaite, Fellow of St. John's College Cambridge

Since April 12 the United States has been issuing commemorative stamps, re-enacting military engagements on site, and generally indulging in an orgy of history. But is it anything more than a salute to the grandeur of Lincoln and the gentleness of Lee - a nostalgic evocation of Yank and Johnny Reb?

Frank Thistlethwaite believes that it is.

He thinks it is a symbol of a continuing dichotomy which tends to weaken American leadership.