The Salt River Rifles - GA, AL, TN, FL

[Jim of the SRR]

The Salt River Rifles is an progressive, campaigner group for reenactors from GA, TN, AL and FL. We are a member unit in SCAR (SE Coalition of Authentic Reenactors). We are a campaigner group that ACTUALLY attends EBUFU, c/p/h events as well as quality adjuncts and living histories. You can't truly say you are a campaigner, progressive unit unless you actually support and attend at least a few c/p/h, EBUFU events in addition to any other events you may attend. Don't be fooled by imitations!

Check out the Salt River Rifles at www.geocities.com/saltriverrifles

and our other like-minded groups at:

www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar

which is soon moving to

www.scarreenactors.com

Regards,
Jim Butler

[BMI-1863]

You can't truly say you are a campaigner, progressive unit unless you actually support and attend at least a few c/p/h, EBUFU events in addition to any other events you may attend. Don't be fooled by imitations!

With all due respect sir, I wasn't aware that "one" individual, or unit, was responsible for declaring who is or is not a campaigner or progressive unit? How do YOU know other groups or units aren't the same? Honestly, I'm pretty darn proud of my unit. We have done lots of research, and base our portrayals upon that research (backed up by historical fact or evidence). And, until YOU can disprove such, we will continue to be "progressive" in our nature sir, regardless if WE choose to attend one of YOUR c/p/h or EBUFU events. The way I see it (and I'm sure others too) is ONE does not have to be invited by some "want to be elites" to a private, exclusive event to consider themselves "progressive" in nature.

Hmmm, let's see what old Mr. Websters says about "progressive":

a: of, relating to, or characterized by progress b: making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities c: of, relating to, or constituting an educational theory marked by emphasis on the individual child, informality of classroom procedure, and encouragement of self-expression

I don't see where it says I have to get permission from someone to be considered as such???

[southern confederate]

WOW ! With this attitude , let me know how this turns out ! To me I think this is the problem today , instead of reenacting to honor the men on both sides , it has seemed to have drifted into the old high school "lets judge others becuase they are not wearing name brands" thing of sorts . Really , I hope you do well , (BUT) this seems like the wrong way to make the hobby grow .

[Jim of the SRR]

WOW ! With this attitude , let me know how this turns out ! To me I think this is the problem today , instead of reenacting to honor the men on both sides , it has seemed to have drifted into the old high school "lets judge others becuase they are not wearing name brands" thing of sorts . Really , I hope you do well , (BUT) this seems like the wrong way to make the hobby grow .

Which hobby?

Jim Butler

[TheQM]

With all due respect sir, I wasn't aware that "one" individual, or unit, was responsible for declaring who is or is not a campaigner or progressive unit?

Excuse me, but Jim Butler and the Salt River Rifles are anything but elitist. Heck, they've allowed me to fall in with them!

[BMI-1863]

Excuse me, but Jim Butler and the Salt River Rifles are anything but elitist. Heck, they've allowed me to fall in with them!

No sir, I never said the SRR or Jim Butler were "elitist". My statement stated "want to be elites".

Define "elitism":

1. The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources.
2.

a. The sense of entitlement enjoyed by such a group or class.
b. Control, rule, or domination by such a group or class.

[MD_Independent26]

Jim knows his business. If I was in the south east, the SRR would probably be my home. Great attitude. True campaigners(and no, camping without tents is not campaigning). Great kits. And on my list of top ten quality units in our country. Definately a good place for someone wanting to recreate history accurately. Billy Birney Columbia Rifles

[MD_Independent26]

Mr. Stoltz. The SRR is ENTITLED to respect. Why? They've earned it through hard campaigning and following as closely to the steps of our ancestors as safety will permit. It is not a mere perception that they are superior to many other units IF the historical record is the standard we are judging them by. It is a solid fact. Welcome to the forum. I hope that you learn that the cut, slash, and run manner of posting here doesn't work well. The SRR and Jim Butler have good attitudes. That's more than I can say about you or Mr. Willis judging by your posts. Bill Birney

[Craig L Barry]

Oh here we go again...please consider a couple things...

Jim Butler is entitled to be proud of the Salt River Rifles and the merits of their high level of commitment to authenticity, and he is entitled to express his own opinions about that. PERIOD. Jim is an experienced participant that likes campaign type events. As far as setting standards, judging others or their choice of events, issuing proclamations, etc. All one can say for certain is that there is no titular head of the hobby, and we don't want to appoint one. Obviously, Jim Butler identifies quite strongly on a personal level with the mission of his group, which is suggested by his screen name "Jim of the SRR" not Jim the Standard Bearer, Jim Keeper of the Flame or even just plain ol' Jim Butler. This is not the point.

What is getting lost here is the point...which is that all Jim Butler is trying to do is make an announcement offering to be included in his reenactment group, and explain what sorts of activities they most enjoy doing, so you know what to expect if you decide to come out with them. The battle with authenticity is a personal one, and nobody sets the standards for you but you. By making a recruiting announcement, Jim is not trying to put anybody down, nor is he trying to be an elitist. As I read it, he is trying to communicate what his Salt River Rifles are about as far as events. If he goes about that with a little chest thumping and you don't like that, then you might not enjoy the rest of the weekend with them either. This seems to have gotten lost when Jim went beyond that and offered his opinon (somewhat sensibly) that to call yourself a campaigner, you ought to try to campaign it once in a while.

Jim is just sounding reveille. And if you are currently on sabbatical, maybe come off before you end up selling all your gear for fire sale prices. Participants should not be labeled progressive, c/p/h, etc, that is just the events they attend.

[BMI-1863]

Mr. Butler (and all),
Please know, I am not trying to impune upon your honor, nor the honor of the SRR. However, it seems that, when "other" groups or units deem themselves "progressive" in nature, words are exchanged disputing such claims. Which is what brought about my response to your initial posting and, the comment you made:

You can't truly say you are a campaigner, progressive unit unless you actually support and attend at least a few c/p/h, EBUFU events in addition to any other events you may attend.

Now, my total concern with your views/attitude towards this hobby as a whole has been brought about by another comment you posted, in reply to my response:

Your group may be great, I don't even know your group.

That's a conflict with your initial posting comment (i.e. referenced above). Did you, or did you not say, "You can't truly say you are a campaigner, progressive unit unless you actually support and attend at least a few c/p/h, EBUFU events in addition to any other events you may attend."

In the same vain, every group I have met claims to be "progressive", or "Authentic" or "campaigner' and MAY not be.

Hmmm, sounds very familiar to "you're not progressive unless I/we say you are".

Your post shoudl be pulled for calling us 'elites'. You SIR do NOT know our group and until you disprove your 'elitist' accusation we will continue to call ourselves c/p/h.

Your comments alone should not have been allowed. Knowing full well, they would be aimed at "some". This, you cannot dispute. Take a look at your recent bout with Chad Green and Western Federal Blues.

Oh here we go again...please consider a couple things...

Mr. Barry,
My intention is not to bring into question the validity of Mr. Butler's attempts at recruiting for his group. My intention comes from the statement he makes regarding "who can or cannot call themselves progressive or campaigner." I too, am experienced (I have been doing this for almost 30 years). But, time in this hobby does not make one an expert. The last of the experts died many years ago. the only hope we have is, to preserve their honor through the most accurate portrayal we can. This, in no way, should exclude ANYONE from participating in this hobby nor, from ANYONE deeming themsleves as progressive or campaigner. I have never seen any law, rule or regulation stating I have to attend any particular event to consider myself anything.

OK, you made this statement:

This seems to have gotten lost when Jim went beyond that and offered his opinon (somewhat sensibly) that to call yourself a campaigner, you ought to try to campaign it once in a while.

Well, let's take a look back at his statement:

You can't truly say you are a campaigner, progressive unit unless you actually support and attend at least a few c/p/h, EBUFU events in addition to any other events you may attend.

That's not an opinion, that's a blatant slam. And you expect one to not take offense to that?

Mr. Stoltz. The SRR is ENTITLED to respect. Why? They've earned it through hard campaigning and following as closely to the steps of our ancestors as safety will permit. It is not a mere perception that they are superior to many other units IF the historical record is the standard we are judging them by. It is a solid fact. Welcome to the forum. I hope that you learn that the cut, slash, and run manner of posting here doesn't work well. The SRR and Jim Butler have good attitudes. That's more than I can say about you or Mr. Willis judging by your posts. Bill Birney

Ok, I can see, somewhat, your point here. But, there again, revert back to the comment Mr. Butler makes. He blatantly stated: "You can't truly say you are a campaigner, progressive unit unless you actually support and attend at least a few c/p/h, EBUFU events in addition to any other events you may attend." It is a mere perception when others are not able to call themselves progressive in nature or, campaigner, etc. just because of a certain few. This is why I do not seek any kind of membership over on the AC forum. I do not want to be subjected to ANYONE's personal views or opinions. I will only answer to historical fact or evdience. And yes, I have been to c/p/h events where, rules and standards are lax, at best. Let's consider this, what do you call hanging out by one's car, downing a few cold ones? I don't think that took place back in the 1860's??