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

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Let me be one to say that the Salt River Rifles and guys associated with them through SCAR are definitely not perfect by any means, nor do I wish to imply that they (we) are. I'll be the second, or third or fourth guy to tell you that there is definitely room for improvement in just about everyone there. For some its kit, for some its impression knowledge, some its drill, others physical appearance, but the common factor that makes them decent is the willingness to fix whats broken, to tweak some things to make them better, and the attitude to try harder and get just a little closer to what history shows and tells us what really happened. I don't want folks on here reading that the SRR or SCAR are absolutely perfect - we are far from it. Attitude and willingness to change and learn set these boys apart. I'm not calling anyone out to say if you're not with Jim you're wrong, by any means. I'm merely suggesting to check them out if you get the chance and if you want to go to some history-heavy events, you've got a place to check it out from.

[southern confederate]

No I was not confusing Dennis with them , I just meant it as an example . Sorry for the confusion.

[Mint Julep]

Ah, well, apples and oranges, Jason, apples and oranges.

[southern confederate]

Lets see , whats the phrase ? "What we have here is a failure to communicate " or " Can't we all just get alone " : ) !

[fahtz]

P****g in the wind?

[flattop32355]

...I mean I think that mine is never good enough . I have had people walk up to me (other reenactors)and say that I looked like I just stepped out of the history books but to me I never felt that it was just right...

Let's think about the above statements for a moment.....

We have a reenactor whom some think is the gold standard for what a real CW soldier would look like, and at the same time, he, himself, only sees the flaws. That, in itself, says something.

Let's add not only the look, but the attitude, the bearing, and any other aspects you'd like to include that would make one a good example of a "real CW sojer".

As already stated, there are certain parts of that "being" that are easier to achieve: Kit only costs money, while attitude and bearing require study, dedication, and practice/experience. The caveat is that there are certain aspects of "being" that CW soldier that we don't want to emulate as modern people, for health and safety reasons.

Now, let's deal with that word that seems to have caused a large part of the ruckus: Progressive.

Some use it as an absolute: "I am a progressive reenactor." It connotates that one has reached a certain level of accuracy (not authenticity).

Others use it as a relative term: "I'm progressing/progressive as a reenactor." It connotates that one is getting better at it than what one was previously, but doesn't insinuate that one has reached any particular level of accuracy.

Each viewpoint claims near-exclusive rights to the word, and gets miffed when it's used in a way different than used by that person. I've suffered from it myself, much to my own embarrassment and humbling (Thanks, Hank!).

In the end, we argue about how many angels fit on the head of a pin, and what must be included to be called "progressive". If I'm the world's most inaccurate reenactor, but I switch from combat boots to brogans, am I now progressive? If I step out of my mainstream ways and attend an upscale, high end, high standard event, am I now progressive?

The answer to both is a definite "Yes and no". There's more to it than just one or two simple acts; 'tis the accumulated effort and attitude over time that seems to tell the tale.

So, let's collectively join the angels on the head of that pin, and strain at gnats while swallowing logs. It makes for interesting threads, now that Banjo Danny is gone....or is he?

Oh, yeah, the disclaimer: I'm a mainstreamer who occasionally swims into the other end of the pool. And Jim's initial post did not offend me at all; not even a raised eyebrow.

[Remise]

Wake up, please!

This is the Recruiting Section, not the Whine Cellar. Could you close this thread to anybody but Jim Butler (if that is what he wants) so the guy can just recruit for his unit? There are plenty of other places in this forum and elsewhere for these sorts of pillow fights.

Thanks very much,

B.C.Milligan
Please Shut Up and Let Me Get Some Sleep Mess

[tompritchett]

Wake up, please!

This is the Recruiting Section, not the Whine Cellar. Could you close this thread to anybody but Jim Butler (if that is what he wants) so the guy can just recruit for his unit? There are plenty of other places in this forum and elsewhere for these sorts of pillow fights.

Thanks very much,

Unfortunately, I was off-line when the controversy first arose and by the time I was back on-line, it had pretty much died down in terms of attacks on Jim. Also unfortunately, I can not lock this thread to anyone but Jim. What I can do though now that I think about it is close this thread and copy Jim's initial post to make a new thread. That I will do now.