NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Bernie Cyrus has a lot of irons in the fire, from music to politics. But Cyrus is getting a lot of attention lately for his new book.
It’s called Rethinkin’ Lincoln. In it, Cyrus goes into detail about his ancestors who included blacks and whites, rich and poor, pro-slavery and abolitionists. But Cyrus goes on to paint different pictures of President Abraham Lincoln, General Robert E. Lee, and confederate president Jefferson Davis than perhaps you’ve heard previously.
“Most of us were taught the wrong history or no history — if you will,” Cyrus told WGNO News.
Cyrus says the war between the states was not fought over slavery, but rather tariffs, railroad, and southerners’ defense of their own states, towns, and property.
“They did not fight for slavery. They fought to protect the south from being abused by high tariffs and from being invaded, first and foremost.”
For more on Cyrus’ case to keep the statues in place, click on the video button above.
Cyrus will sign copies of his book from 6 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, at the Southern Hotel in Covington.