Confederate History Month
WHEREAS, April is the month in which the people of Virginia joined the Confederate States of America in a four year war between the states for independence that concluded at Appomattox Courthouse; and
WHEREAS, Virginia has long recognized her Confederate history, the numerous civil war battlefields that mark every region of the state, the leaders and individuals in the Army, Navy and at home who fought for their homes and communities and Commonwealth in a time very different than ours today; and
WHEREAS, it is important for all Virginians to reflect upon our Commonwealth’s shared history, to understand the sacrifices of the Confederate leaders, soldiers and citizens during the period of the Civil War, and to recognize how our history has led to our present; and
WHEREAS, Confederate historical sites such as the White House of the Confederacy are open for people to visit in Richmond today, and
WHEREAS, all Virginians can appreciate the fact that when ultimately overwhelmed by the insurmountable numbers and resources of the Union Army, the surviving, imprisoned and injured Confederate soldiers gave their word and allegiance to the United States of America, and returned to their homes and families to rebuild their communities in peace, following the instruction of General Robert E. Lee of Virginia, who wrote that, “...all should unite in honest efforts to obliterate the effects of war and to restore the blessings of peace."; and
WHEREAS, this defining chapter in Virginia’s history should not be forgotten, but instead should be studied, understood and remembered by all Virginians, both in the context of the time in which it took place, but also in the context of the time in which we live, and this study and remembrance takes on particular importance as the Commonwealth prepares to welcome the nation and the world to visit Virginia for the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Civil War, a four-year period in which the exploration of our history can benefit all;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert McDonnell, do hereby recognize April 2010 as CONFEDERATE HISTORY MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
Whose independence would that be Governor? Surely, not the slaves. They didn't share in the independence at Appomottax. And while Virginia is learning about the Confederacy, don't forget to read up on Fort Pillow and Andersonville. Please make sure Virginians read the definition of what treason is, too. Of course, not all Virginians share your desire to celebrate Confederate History Month, especially those who view this as a way for you to insult Black History Month and our President.
Somehow, I don't see him going any farther than George Allen did and that was Governor of Virginia. This proclamation will be his macaca moment.
And the Wingnuts just keep getting nuttier. Doesn't he have a few budget probles to worry about?
ReplyDeleteAs Scarlett O'Hara said: "we'll think about that tomorrow." Guv. McDowell isn't concerned about the difficulties in the present, he is too busy revising and reliving the past.
ReplyDeleteHere is what everyone needs to read about Virginia's secession: it was all about the slaves.
The people of Virginia, in their ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America, adopted by them in Convention, on the 25th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eight-eight, having declared that the powers granted them under the said Constitution were derived from the people of the United States, and might be resumed whensoever the same should be perverted to their injury and oppression, and the Federal Government having perverted said powers, not only to the injury of the people of Virginia, but to the oppression of the Southern slaveholding States.
-Virginia Ordinance of Secession, April 17th, 1861
Amazing that this sentiment lives on after so many years in certain southern states and obviously it is alive in well in Virginia.
ReplyDeleteAnd do you suppose that Sarah Palin might be a close personal advisor on weighty issues such as this?
ReplyDeleteYou betcha! Never mind that Sarah is from Alaska, she still wears the white hood and shares the sentiment with those "real Virginians" as she put it in 2008. She and McDonnel are unaware of the diversity of Virginia and it was only less than 6 months ago, that they won the Governorship of Virginia.
ReplyDeleteWonder how Michael Steele feels about this? You think he will still campaign for Virginia Repubs?
I didn't see any reference to slavery in the proclamation. I hope this lesson in history brings about a better understanding for all people what the war was really about.
ReplyDeleteGov. McDonnell has issued an apology today for omitting slavery. Here is his statement:
ReplyDelete"The failure to include any reference to slavery was a mistake, and for that I apologize to any fellow Virginian who has been offended or disappointed," McDonnell wrote in a statement. "The abomination of slavery divided our nation, deprived people of their God-given inalienable rights, and led to the Civil War. Slavery was an evil, vicious and inhumane practice which degraded human beings to property, and it has left a stain on the soul of this state and nation."
He also added a clause to the proclamation that declares slavery "led to this war."