This has turned into an interesting and enlightening discussion. I spent 6 years as a Confederate re-enactor. Imagine, if you will, a bunch of overgrown boys, dressing up and playing army with real guns (no bullets, of course). One evening, after the "civilians" had left, some clown visited our campfire trying to recruit for the Ku Klux Klan. He hardly had a chance to open his mouth before he was escorted from the camp by four gray-clad gentlemen and told never to return. He was also informed, in no uncertain terms, that we did not appreciate the usurpation of a once-proud flag by "people" of his sort.

Most of the re-enactors, on both sides, were in the hobby for the fun of it and/or the opportunity to learn about a fascinating period in our history, and to pass that learning on to others. I personally got quite a charge out of being asked and being able to answer questions about the everyday life of a soldier during that time.