Dear Eric,

I respect your opinion and understand that for you, Cold Mountain is a love story set during the Civil War.

I choose not to see Cold Mountain because it does not address my concerns. The events portrayed in that movie have a direct impact on my life today. My great great grandfather participated in the Battle of the Crater and was wounded in the left thigh when he was hit by shrapnel. He also lost hearing in his right ear. He died years later in a Soldiers and Sailors Home and is buried in a veteran's cemetery.

His sacrifice, and that of all the other soldiers who fought along side him, meant the difference between freedom and slavery for my family and me. So while watching a Civil War movie may be an intense experience for some Americans, for others, such as myself, there is a visceral reaction to the portrayal of that war.

I am disturbed that the director of this film stated in an interview that it wasn't really important to present the Civil War in a historically accurate way, but that is his right; it's his movie. The great thing about this country is that we have a surfeit of choices and can participate or not as we wish in cultural events. More importantly, maybe one of my decendants will become a movie director and make a movie about the Battle of the Crater that I would want to see.

Many people, myself included, have decided not to attend a screening of Cold Mountain because it offends them, it boors them, or it's not relevant to them. Again, isn't great to live in a country where not only can you make these choices, but you can discuss them with your peers and you don't have to worry about the government intruding on your life.

So while I won't be joining you at the multiplex, I hope you have a good time and I look forward to further discussions with you about genealogy.

Take Good Care,

Lee