SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Nearly 50 years ago, Gov. Nelson Rockefeller
threw the full weight of New York's government behind
commemorating the 100th anniversary of the nation's bloodiest
conflict, the Civil War. Ceremonies, historical discussions,
even Emancipation dinners were held. The governor wanted New
York to lead all other states in honoring the nation's most
defining conflict, which kept America united, ended slavery and
resulted in the assassination of a president. But with the 150th
anniversary of the election of Abraham Lincoln already in the
past, and the date of the start of hostilities coming in April,
New York, the main contributor to the Union cause, has no money
for sesquicentennial events. Unlike other states, New York has
no funded commission or website to coordinate reenactments,
programs or displays. State Assemblyman Jack McEneny, D-Albany,
sponsored a bill for a commission, but it did not pass the
Senate. Some Civil War enthusiasts say the lack of money and
planning fails to honor New York's