April 12, 2010 From Talk of the Nation NPR
Gov. Bob McDonnell declared April Confederate History Month in Va., at the urging of Brag Bowling of the Virginia Division of The Sons of Confederate Veterans. After criticism mounted over the lack of any reference to slavery, McDonnell backpedaled on the proclamation. But the controversy — and debate — over slavery and the celebration of the confederacy continues.

Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page contacted Bowling, to talk about the truth of American history, which they agreed is "always more complicated." He wrote about their brief chat in his column, "It's Not Hate, It's Hateful History."

Page joins host Neal Conan to share bits of his conversation with Bowling, and what he learned.

Listen to the story:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125859203