McDonnell declares April Confederate History Month....

In a move sure to stir passions, Gov. Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation declaring April Confederate History Month - reviving a GOP tradition that went away under two Democratic administrations.

Gov. Mark R. Warner halted the tradition in 2002 when he took office and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine also opted not to revive the annual rite of spring in Virginia - even as the civil rights memorial was dedicated at the capitol. Republican Govs. George Allen and Jim Gilmore issued the proclamations during their stints in the executive mansion.

Needless to say the proclamation is not sitting well with state Democrats - and the fact that the proclamation doesn't bring up slavery, slaves, the slave trade, Massive Resistance or any of the more unseemly pieces of Virginia's history is not going to make it any better.

Not to mention in this era of over-ripe patriotism - that the southern states tried to secede from the union.

Maybe McDonnell was sick of Ken Cuccinelli getting so many headlines.

Here's a link the proclamation on the Governor's web site.

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;

Comments

[Chris]

yea its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dean]

The governor is a dumb-as-a-bag-o-hammers white bigot not interested in history as much as racial discourse.

He's an idiot and this is proof.

[Sally]

Dexter, what a lovely poem. Your Grandpa would be so proud of you!

[ShoutNow]

Is the Confederacy a rebellion cloaked as a religious grass roots movement?

A number of past and recent events have raised serious alarms. It is as if we are experiencing a collective Ah Haaa! So, this is what the GOP code talk is all about! It is not enough to be born in America or pledge allegiance to America. Confederacy is being promoted as the "true American". US politics are now held hostage for the sake of those dreaming of reestablishing the Confederacy. They attach their ideology to anything that can be remotely used to resurrect their historic gripes and to establish their political goals.

When they scream big government, state rights and powers, they are reenacting the old Civil War conflict of independence from the Federal Government which prohibited their so called "rights" of elitism and powers to enslave and abuse people for economic gain. Extremists militias influenced by a religious Confederate ideology have already demonstrated a willingness to go as far as starting a civil war to have their way. Don't blame this movement on true Christianity. As demonstrated globally, any popular religion that put up with hypocrites engaging in social and political tyranny in the name of God will do. If they are able to achieve power over the majority religion, the Government, a private military and oil, they can do as Talibans or tyrants of Iran and rule America with an iron fist that can inflict a religious punch.

A true Christian American given power to govern would not allow or open the way for our jobs to be sent over seas to maximize profits of those who buy political power. A true Christian American given power to govern would not spend their entire time in office dismantling the powers of the People's Government and regulations that prevent those seeking monetary power and Confederate rule. A true Christian American given power to govern would not partake in accusing the People's Government of institutional ineptitude while seeking to gain power over the People's Government. Such individuals, adverse to the People's Union, are not qualified to govern since they are committed to opposing, sabotaging, undermining, and destroying the People's Government, our Democracy, for the sake of the Confederacy. As for discerning religious ideology, true Christians are not hell bent on making life on earth profitable instead of heaven bound and bearable.

America, it is time to wake up. Stand up for our Union, the Government by the People and for the People. Pooling our collective power means paying taxes to support good causes for the sake of our Union. It is time to call upon Political leaders to affirm their allegiance to the United States of America and the Constitution by denouncing treasonous and rebellious activities of extremists who are attacking and destroying the People's Union for economical and political gain.

[Bill Hawkens]

Confederate history is my heritage and a vital part of
Virginia.
Thank God for a State Executive with guts.

[Seriously?]

Does the government help pay your bills? Pay for your food? Guess what, you are enslaved.

[Eboni Pearson]

I'm a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School. (For the record, I also attended Stonewall Jackson middle school) Every year, because I live near Bull Run, I get to see both battles re enacted, both won by the conferates. As a virginian, I don't celebrate MLK day like the rest of the country, I have to celebrate Jackson Lee King day. And now in April, I get to celebrate Confederacy Month? In addition, according to your bloggers, I need to go back to Africa and should be satisfied with the shortest month in the year. Send the ticket. Please.

[RE Martin]

Virginia need to bring visitors to this state, not hate. Lets be strong and change this type of mineset.

[BIG DOG]

Did the blacks get their wish granted in February...? Of course you know, CHANGE. Let something that is meaningful be recognized, CONFEDERATE history month in April.

Job well done!

[Jan McMillan]

History is History! We must embrace our heritage for what it was and accept that WE CANNOT CHANGE it. To deny it would be an insult to everyone who suffered during the conflict. To hide it would deny the outcome, freedom for all persons. To continue the socital fighting of an historic event of this nature only prevents us from MOVING FORWARD WITH CHANGE.
Slavery still exists in our world today, perhaps our current efforts to debate the illegality of it could best be utilized to help the rest of the world see the negative impact it has had on a society and help others to find a resolution to change. Maybe in reaching out to other we can heal our nations hatred. This has caused generations to suffer for the transgressions of our forefathers. We should not be held accountable for our forefathers transgressions. If each of us stops hating and blaming, and take the lessons we learned we may impact THIS TIME AND THIS LIFE in a more positive way.