Old Virginia Blog

Is The Lincoln Proclamation Missing Something?

2012-01-27T18:00:00.019-05:00

Would anyone like to offer some thoughts on these two excerpts from the Lincoln Day bill in the Virginia Senate?

During the Civil War, Lincoln's family in Virginia were slave owners and Confederates,

and . . .

That the Governor be requested to call upon the citizens of the Commonwealth to commemorate this day with appropriate tributes, programs, and events that honor the memory and legacy of Abraham Lincoln

Hmmm . . . slave-owning and "rebellion" were part of Lincoln's legacy here in Virginia yet we're being asked to "honor" that legacy? Kinda bucks the current trend, doesn't it? It's almost as if the proclamation is mentioning that in a positive tone as it sandwiches it in amidst all of the complimentary statements about Lincoln. And where's all the condemnation of "celebratory history?" Seems those same academics have backslidden on their own religion of objectivity and attitudes toward heroes. Help me, I'm confused.

But this proclamation also leaves out quite a bit of President Lincoln's legacy. In light of all the negative hoopla last year over McDonnell's Confederate History proclamation, I'm having difficulty reconciling all the celebration over this proclamation, with all the hysterical objections we heard over the Confederate History proclamation. It just doesn't add up. Am I the only one who sees the inconsistencies here?

The biggest complaint regarding McDonnell's CHM proclamation was more about what he left out than anything else. As already noted, there are parts of Lincoln's "legacy" left out of this proclamation as well; which was the same complaint we heard from the "objective" academics over the Confederate History Month proclamation. For example:

Lincoln's fondness for black minstrel shows, his frequent use of the "N" word, and his repeating racial jokes
His support of pre-Civil War "Black laws" which denied basic rights to blacks in Lincoln's native Illinois
His support for fugitive slave laws (returning runaways to their masters)
His support of colonization (shipping all those of African descent to either Africa or South America)
His Emancipation Proclamation Act - which actually allowed slavery to continue in states where he could have ended it, but really did nothing in states where he lacked the power to end it
His desire to keep slavery from spreading to other states and territories was motivated by his desire to protect jobs for whites
His support for the Corwin amendment (expressed in March of 1861), which would have specifically codified the unfettered legality of slavery in the U.S. Constitution forever

None of this is new information. Anyone who's studied Lincoln's life knows all this. Executive editor of Ebony Magazine, Lerone Bennett, Jr. has written a book pointing all this out; and much more. These facts, no matter how some scholars will spin them, are undeniable. Yes, I understand that his attitudes were not uncommon among 19th century Americans. And, yes, I understand and believe that Lincoln was morally opposed to slavery. But so were Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee, as well as other Confederates. Painting either side in that epic struggle with broad 21st brushes in order to score political points today is the worst kind of presentism. All I'm asking for is consistency.

Let's look at the two proclamations in another way, and this is a point I've raised before. Of the two proclamations - Confederate History Month and the Lincoln Day proclamation - which of the following is "lesser known" history:

The Confederacy's association with slavery?

Lincoln's racist attitude toward blacks?

The answer is obvious. And I'm not alone in suggesting that more folks are ignorant of Lincoln's views than are of the Confederacy's connection to slavery.

Back in February of 2009, the Wall Street Journal interviewed Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. about his book and PBS series on Lincoln and race. Here's how the WSJ introduced the interview:

Racial jokes? Shipping freed slaves to Africa? These aren't the sorts of things most people generally associate with Abraham Lincoln, whose 200th birthday is on Feb. 12. In a new book, "Lincoln on Race & Slavery," and a new series airing Feb. 11 on PBS, "Looking for Lincoln," Harvard professor and documentary filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr. takes a fresh look at the 16th president. (Emphasis mine.)

So knowing this, which proclamation - if you were to have to choose one - is there more of a need to reveal that lesser known aspect of history? And, knowing the obvious answer, why aren't the same academics and history bloggers criticizing the Lincoln proclamation the way they criticized the CHM proclamation? I think we all know the answer.

All this being said, I've never been one who thinks that every time an early American historical figure like Lincoln, Jefferson, Lee, Washington, etc or whoever, is mentioned that we need to follow with a laundry list of their sins and failures. Most semi-educated Americans already know that aspect of our history. The constant need to dredge all that up and repeat it tells us more about the dredger than it does the dredgee:

If you talk about a good aspect of a great man or generation, you are expected to immediately follow up with a list of their flaws and mistakes as well. If you don’t, you’re seen as a rube who has swallowed the traditional version of history and isn’t in on the new “secret” information that has been revealed. The self-satisfaction of those who consider themselves in the know and like to give you the “real scoop” is invariably palatable. ~ Brett McKay

However, if that is to be the standard for remembering someone's legacy, then let's at least be consistent. Having one set of rules for some figures and another for others simply reveals what many Americans already ~~suspect~~ know - that many academic historians aren't really as objective and non-partisan as they want us all to believe. Their "professionalism" has it's limits. Personally, I don't have a big problem with giving Lincoln his day - as long as the record includes the whole story, as was demanded for Confederate History month. We do want to be consistent and objective, don't we?

Debunking Homeschool Myths With Humor

2012-01-26T07:00:00.004-05:00

For all of my ill-informed, group-think academic buddies. This is, in addition to being quite truthful, also quite funny. I think this young man may very well be the first successful homeschooled, stand-up comedian - at least the only one I've ever come across.

A related post can be read here.

Juan Williams Endorses Homeschooling

2012-01-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

Too bad some in academia would prefer to criminalize it. You'd think they'd be more focused on the utter failure of government schools. Not the case. They're more interested in control than successful methods which bypass their institutions and make them appear not so wise - which is actually the truth.

As one article points out:

It [the video] also exposes the entrenched educational establishment bent on stifling school choice options and preserving its monopoly on state education dollars.

Again, its all about money, power, and control. They don't want parents to keep much of any of the three.

Professor Harry Jaffa Corrects President Obama

2012-01-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Charles Johnson gives the details at BigGovernment.com and writes the following:

“[Barack Obama] didn’t get it right,” says Harry V. Jaffa, professor emeritus of Claremont McKenna College, senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, and author of two influential books on Lincoln. Jaffa was referring to this quotation from President Obama.

“I’m a Democrat. But I believe what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed: That Government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more.”

Professor Jaffa noted that this quotation leaves a lot out. The 93-year-old Jaffa, by memory, recited the full statement from Lincoln’s speech, “The Nature and Objects of Government, with Special Reference to Slavery” (July 1, 1854):

“The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all, or cannot so well do, for themselves in their separate and individual capacities.”

Notice the difference? The emphasis is on need to have done, not on government doing the action. “That distinction was missing form his quotation,” Jaffa explains. But Obama has repeatedly invoked this misleading Lincoln quotation on both the campaign trail and during his presidency.

End quote. You can read the complete piece here.

Throughout 2010, we were treated to repeated criticisms of the Tea Party about how they twisted history to advance their political agenda. Which, as Gordon Wood has pointed out, isn't exactly true. That TP criticism came largely from pseudo-historians and big government-loving academics and bloggers. But as I've pointed out numerous times, these same self-appointed defenders of truth (their version) were utterly silent when the OWS twisted history and President Obama misquoted Lincoln and the Declaration of Independence time and time again to advance their political agenda. And, of course, the reason for their hypocrisy is that they support Obama's agenda. In other words, they are phonies and anything but objective scholars imparting non-partisan observations. I do applaud Jaffa for at least pointing out Obama's deceitfulness with Lincoln's words.

Moreover, shouldn't a graduate of Harvard and a Constitutional Law Professor be held to a higher standard than a bunch of fly-over country, Tea Party activists?

I'll also be posting some thoughts on the proposed Lincoln Day holiday here in Virginia. Once again, academic historians and bloggers show their hand.

The Evil Rich

2012-01-24T23:30:00.002-05:00

**Update: "A new report just out from the Internal Revenue Service reveals that 36 of President Obama's executive office staff owe the country $833,970 in back taxes. These people working for Mr. Fair Share apparently haven't paid any share, let alone their fair share." More here.

Wow, what a teachable moment. The left delights in railing against the "evil rich" - the one percenters - while they so lovingly spend everyone else's money (after they scim off the top). But things aren't always as they seem.

WHO'S GREEDY? Obama Gave 1% to Charity, Romney Gave 15%

I'm not a big fan of Mitt Romney, but the numbers do reveal quite a bit don't they? Like the old Soviet dictators in Russia who claimed to be for the poor, downtrodden "worker", the elitist left in the United States are often the most generous with your money, not theirs. They jet about the world on the taxpayer's dime gorging themselves on expensive caviar while they decry the evils of capitalism and Wall Street. Puke me a river.

Rant completed. Those of you on the left may now return to Never-Never Land.

Rutherford Institute Sues Lexington Over Flag Flap

2012-01-24T19:00:00.002-05:00

Update: What do you think of this statement regarding Lexington's flag ordinance?

The key is that the city did not target Confederate flags, although clearly eliminating those was the driving force in its decision.

Have you ever read a clearer contradiction than that? It takes quite a bit of talent to contradict yourself so clearly in just one sentence. Try to reconcile the two thoughts:

"The city did not target Confederate flags"

Yet . . .

"clearly eliminating those was the driving force in its decision."

Now, repeat the statements over several times to yourself. Am I missing something here? How can someone "not target" an object while simultaneously being motivated to "eliminate" that same object? Perhaps one can close his eyes and aim? I know one thing for sure - I certainly would not want that type of argument made on my behalf before a judge. That would be like saying, "Sure, I drove my car into a crowd of people where I knew Mr. Smith was standing, but I really wasn't trying to hit Mr. Smith, even though everyone knows I don't like him." Yet you've got other CW bloggers linking to that article in order to support the City's decision. Brilliant.

Perhaps closing one's eyes and aiming is a good analogy. And if that's the approach they take in court, it will probably produce the same results.

"The Rutherford Institute has come to the defense of a civil war heritage society that was prohibited from flying the Confederate flag despite the fact that other organizations were allowed to fly their flags. In filing a First Amendment lawsuit against the City of Lexington, Virginia, Institute attorneys allege that city officials exhibited hostility toward the Confederate flag and engaged in unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination against the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) when they adopted an ordinance limiting use of the flag standards to the display of national, state and city flags. The complaint also alleges that the ordinance violates a 1993 federal court injunction which protects the SCV’s right to display the Confederate flag within the City of Lexington."

More here.

I'll have more to post about this soon. City officials in Lexington have demonstrated, over and over again, their embarassing incompetence when it comes to handling their rich Civil War and historical heritage. This is just the latest example.

Metal Detecting Post #59 - The Mine Run Campaign

2012-01-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

Lord willin', this coming March, I will be participating in an invitational relic hunt not too far from the area featured in this video.

It Was Unanimous

2012-01-23T18:30:00.004-05:00

One of the animating issues of our Founding had a great day in court today:

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that police must obtain a search warrant before using a GPS device to track criminal suspects. More here.

That is wonderful news and a solid smackdown to an ever-growing and intrusive government. When I served as a Magistrate for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the issuance of search warrants was, for me, one of the most serious and sobering of the responsibilities I had. I denied my share due to lack of probable cause. And, when in doubt, I always erred on the side of caution and denied, advising the law enforcement officer why he did not have probable cause. Of course, they could always try again. Sometimes they got it right the second time, sometimes they didn't.

Our constitutional republic worked very well today. For that we should all be very thankful. This decision was a great victory for liberty.

On The Wrong Side Of History

2012-01-23T17:30:00.000-05:00

If you're a liberal today, you've somehow ended up on the wrong side of history. That is a vast cultural disaster, but much more for victim nations than it is for the self-preening West. Twisting liberalism into a pretzel is a feat of mis-education and propaganda the likes of which we have not seen since the rise of mass electronic media. Most "liberals" today do not believe in freedom, but support tyranny. That inversion of history has been accomplished by mass propaganda.

More here at the American Thinker.

They Ain't-a Fergettin!

2012-01-21T19:00:00.004-05:00

New Logo For Academic Historians

The politicization of the Civil War by academic historians politically left of center seems to be growing in popularity these days. My recent post about one of David Blight's essays was just one example. But he's by no means alone. I had read an article back in the summer written by another academic who's apparently feeling a bit embarrassed at having supported Barack Obama for President. I can certainly understand that. So he, like Blight, descends to bottom feeding, lashing out and insinuating that those who are flying Confederate flags and who are politically conservative are racists, violent, blah, blah, blah - the typical refrain from the left when they have have nothing of substance to say - which is most of the time.

The latest article to which I'm referring was written by Professor Glenn W. LaFantasie who teaches Civil War History at Western Kentucky State (Heads up to parents considering colleges for their kids). You can read Professor LaFantasie's piece here at Salon - the perfect forum for nonsense. By the way, when I was growing up, a "salon" was where women went to get their whatever done. Has that changed? Maybe you go to Salon magazine to get done? Wikipedia notes this about "Salons":

Salons, commonly associated with French literary and philosophical movements of the 17th and 18th centuries . . . The historiography of the salons is far from straightforward. The salons have been studied in depth by a mixture of feminist, Marxist, cultural, social and intellectual historians.

Aahhh, now it all makes perfect sense. But I digress.

LaFantasie has his shorts all in a knot over Kentucky's SCV license plate efforts and prattles on about how Kentuckians who simply wish to honor their Confederate ancestors are in love with slavery, are cannibals, kitten-killers, puppy-eaters, and haters of all things pure and virtuous, etc, etc. Once again, blah, blah, blah. He opens this literary masterpiece with the exact same "observation" as our friend David Blight made and writes:

"The Civil War has not ended."

These fellas just can' t let go and move on, can they? That's right - them thar fellas just ain't-a-fergettin! The memo and talking point has evidently now been faxed, texted (Is that a word?), and emailed to all the establishment, pro-Obama academic historians - the War Between the States is still being fought! Yessirree Bob - now there's a winning campaign strategy! So, all you neo-Confederate boogie-men, gird yer loins, dust off Great-Grandpa's old musket, pull the moth-eaten butternut and gray out of the closet, fire up Dixie as yer iPhone ringtone, practice yer Rebel Yell, shoe ole Lucy, grow an ugly beard, plant some magnolias, stock up on chewin' tobaccy, fill up the jug with sweet tea (or corn liquor), pack some fatback and hardtack, practice yer "what fer's" and yer "y'all's" and yer "over yonders" and yer "git dem damn yankees" and yer "Hell no we ain't-a fergettin's", saddle up and ride to the sound of the guns - Yee-hah!!!

After you read through LaFantasie's cliched rant - thinly veiled as historical commentary -you get to the real crux of what seems to be motivating him:

Even so, the battle flag will not go away, no matter how divisive it continues to be. All I have to do here in the land of thoroughbreds and fried chicken is check my rearview mirror on the interstate. Inevitably what I see is an 18-wheeler bearing down on me with a Confederate battle flag stretched across its radiator. In a split second, every frame of Stephen Spielberg’s first movie, “The Duel,” flashes through my brain. Maybe it’s time for me to remove the “Obama ’08″ bumper sticker from the back hatch of my Jeep.

So, Professor LaFantasie "fears" those who display Confederate battle flags because he displays an Obama '08 bumper sticker? Really? LaFantasie, like so many other academic historians, presents us once again with a textbook example demonstrating how out of touch they are with most Americans. (See here and here.) You see, it isn't those who display the Confederate battle flag whom most Americans fear. Oh no, no, no, no, no. Actually, it's the reelection of Barack Obama (who so many academic historians like LaFantasie supported in 2008) that most Americans fear.

As a matter of fact, a recent poll reveals that this fear is quite strong and represents a very healthy majority. You see, some fears are actually rooted in reality rather than emotion. The poll details, which appeared under the headline Americans, 2-1, Fear Obama's Reelection, can be read here.

This is what is really eating at historians like David Blight and LaFantasie. It really is driving academia crazy that a majority of Americans aren't surrendering their minds to the "superior" intellect and wisdom of academia and swallowing their propaganda when it comes to historical perspective and political pontifications - which are increasingly one in the same. LaFantasie reveals his frustration with us commoners when he notes:

Either way, in my opinion, the Confederate battle flag remains an icon of hate, not heritage. It belongs in museums, where it should freely be displayed. If it is placed on a license plate, it deserves to be splattered with mud. Saying that, however, will not endear me to my Kentucky neighbors or my students, most of whom — despite my efforts to convince them otherwise . . .

And . . .

. . . still erroneously believe, no matter what historians say, that the Cause stood for states’ rights . . .

Many Americans, particularly many Southerners, observe academia's agenda-motivated analysis and respond with a collective yawn. This infuriates and frustrates the "professionals." Academic historians then fume, pout, and spout forth even more of what caused the yawn to begin with. While not providing much real value, the whole spectacle does, nonetheless, make for some great entertainment.

But I can't let that first excerpt of LaFantasi's go without further comment. Note this rather curious statement about the Confederate battle flag:

It belongs in museums, where it should freely be displayed.

How much more Orwellian doublespeak language could one use? "Freely" displayed - but only in museums? Right Professor. And I'm sure your idea of a proper display would include "interpretative" text making sure it's remembered as an "icon of hate."

Conclusion:

As Professor David Blight's frustrating lament Why Doesn't the Confederacy Just Fade Away demonstrates, academic historians are simply having trouble dealing with the reality that the average American won't open wide and swallow their proclamations like good little subjects should. We won't bow down and marvel at their brilliance and superiority. We can, and do, read for ourselves, think for ourselves, analyze for ourselves and come to our own conclusions. History is a serious subject and should be approached seriously, but it's not rocket science.

Academic historians should just let it go. The WBTS is over. Slavery in the U.S. ended 150 years ago. The U.S. has made dramatic progress in race relations and opportunity for all. The overwhelming majority of Southerners who wish to celebrate their Confederate heritage and honor their ancestors have no hatred in their hearts for anyone. And, politically speaking, the violence and lawlessness you all seem to be so concerned over emanates from your end of the political spectrum. Analyze that.

I do agree with Professor LaFantasie about one thing though. He should definitely remove that Obama bumper sticker - not out of fear that some trucker with a Confederate flag will run him down, but out of fear of embarrassment.

Heroes Belong On Pedestals

2012-01-21T07:00:00.007-05:00

Update: Since Michael Aubrecht offered a snyopsis of my recent posting, allow me to take a moment to return the favor. His most recent postings seem to be focused on one of two things: a rather strange fascination with the sex lives of the founders and wordy parroting of academia's boring and self-serving, self-aggrandizing emphasis on the sins of past generations of American patriots.

Moreover, Michael evidently doesn't appreciate quoting other sources ("cutting and pasting" in his words) to support one's position. I must assume he believes his knowledge alone is sufficient to settle an argument. His desire to please other academics and get better gigs is causing him to morph into one himself. Allow me to lazily cut and paste another appropriate quote for the likes of Michael:

What most frustrates Americans is that we are a happy, optimistic, can-do people ceaselessly harangued by media solons, delusional academics, post-sovereign Eurocrats, and the Democrats who love them. While we free and feed the world, they can’t tell us enough that we’re racist, imperialist, torturing louts. We know it’s a libel, an endless stream of slander. But we also know it’s an absurd libel. We’re tired of hearing it, but taking it too seriously would give it power it doesn’t deserve. - Andrew McCarty, National Review online (Emphasis mine.)

My original post here was nothing personal against Michael - just what he wrote and the position he took regarding the hero status of Stonewall Jackson. If he's going to blog, he needs to grow some thicker skin. Since you can't comment on posts at his blog, he must expect that others are going to disagree from time to time and offer a counterpoint somewhere else. So how does Michael respond to my rebuttal and admiration for Stonewall Jackson? By suggesting that those who view Jackson and other Confederates soldiers as heroic and possessing admirable traits (as our Governor recently did here) are racist. So typical, so shallow, so vapid, so non-thinking, and so predictable. Since Michael violated rule #4 for commenting here, you will have to visit his blog to read further thoughts by him as he will no longer be commenting here.

End of update.

History blogger Michael Aubrecht recently posted a piece titled, Taking Stonewall Down Off The Pedestal. Actually, heroes belong on pedestals - literally and figuratively. That's why we put them there.

If you talk about a good aspect of a great man or generation, you are expected to immediately follow up with a list of their flaws and mistakes as well. If you don’t, you’re seen as a rube who has swallowed the traditional version of history and isn’t in on the new “secret” information that has been revealed. The self-satisfaction of those who consider themselves in the know and like to give you the “real scoop” is invariably palatable.
~ Brett McKay

The Red Herring argument that these men were flawed (as if we didn't already know that) does not negate the need for heroes - nor the fact that Stonewall Jackson belongs among that select group of men. Happy Birthday General Jackson.

For a more realistic and mature look at Jackson, I would recommend James Robertson's essay: “STONEWALL” JACKSON: CHRISTIAN SOLDIER Of course, Robertson's award winning biography is also a must read for serious students of both Jackson and the WBTS.

City Of Lexington In Civil Contempt

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

For those interested in the facts and the legal issues involved in the Lexington flag flap, you can go to this link and read the actual suit filed against the City of Lexington by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The pleading reads, in part:

". . . the Defendants are in violation of, and therefore in civil contempt of, the Consent Decree entered on August 13, 1993 . . ."

Knowing the back story, it's quite clear the SCV has a very strong case. The City of Lexington really is going to have a difficult time explaining the sequence of events on this issue. It's rather apparent what their intent was in passing the flag ordinance. That, I believe, will be the trap that snares them - and they set it themselves.

PC Example

2012-01-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

I've read academics on other history-related blogs claim they're not even sure what political correctness is. They typically respond that way when someone in their field is accused of PC due to a silly, shallow, and immature approach to history. Of course, they're either lying or extremely ignorant. But, just for those folks, here ya go:

Students at a new Utah high school are facing disappointment after their choice for a new school mascot was rejected for one of the strangest reasons possible: Board members deemed it might be seen as offensive to middle-aged women.

BTW, my wife, who I think would concur with me that she is middle-aged, graduated from a high school which had the "Cougar" as its mascot. The Cougar does not offend her, but stupidity does.

Now, if you want to find out why the animal is so offensive, you can read the story here.

Happy Birthday General Lee

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

The following is taken from Stratford Hall's Website:

Robert E. Lee’s birthday may not be an official public holiday in other states, but there are many people who remember his life and achievements on either the third Monday of January or on January 19, which is his actual birthday. Lee-Jackson Day is a state holiday in Virginia on the Friday before Martin Luther King Day to honor both Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Robert E. Lee is also remembered as part of Confederate Memorial Day, also known as Confederate Heroes Day, which falls in different times of the year, depending on the states.

Robert E. Lee was a commander of the Confederate army during the American Civil War (1861–1865). He was born at Stratford, Virginia, on January 19, 1807. His father, known as “Light Horse Harry" Lee, was a Revolutionary War hero. Robert E. Lee graduated second in his class at West Point, earning no demerits for discipline infractions during his years there.

Robert E. Lee’s first military action after graduation from West Point was in 1845, in the war with Mexico. He met and worked with later key players in the Civil War, including James Longstreet, Ulysses S. Grant, George Pickett and Thomas J. Jackson. Lee worked as an army engineer prior to the Civil War. He helped build the waterfront in St Louis and coastal forts in Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia. He was appointed superintendent of West Point in 1852 and is considered one of the best superintendents in the institution's history. Abraham Lincoln offered Robert E. Lee command of the Union Army in 1861, but Lee refused. He would not raise arms against his native state, Virginia. Lee resigned his commission and headed home to Virginia. Lee served as adviser to Confederate leader Jefferson Davis, and then commanded the Army of Northern Virginia. After four years of grueling warfare, Robert E. Lee met Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, Virginia, where both generals ended their battles. Lee surrendered his army and told his comrades, “Go home and be good Americans.”

Lee was appointed President of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, in 1865. The school was later renamed to include his name in honor of his leadership there. Lee died at Washington College on October 12, 1870, and was buried in a chapel on the school grounds.

More here.

Our Governor's Official Lee-Jackson Proclamation

2012-01-18T18:00:00.001-05:00

Lee-Jackson Day

WHEREAS, Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson are native Virginians, having served our great nation and Commonwealth as educators, leaders, and military strategists; and

WHEREAS, Lee served in the United States Army for more than three decades until he left his position to serve as Commander in Chief of Virginia’s military forces and as Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Jackson taught philosophy and military tactics as a professor at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington for nearly a decade before serving briefly in the United States Army and later joining the Confederate Army to fight for his native Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Lee dedicated his life after the Civil War to reforming higher education in the South by serving as President of Washington College, now Washington & Lee University, in Lexington, Virginia, where he helped to greatly increase the school’s funding and expand the curriculum to create an atmosphere most conducive to learning for young men of both Southern and Northern heritage; and

WHEREAS, Jackson’s leadership and bravery enabled him to rally his troops to several improbable victories against numerically superior forces, and Jackson’s inspired “Stonewall Brigade” fought alongside General Lee’s troops in another victory, even after their leader was fatally wounded on the second day of the Battle of Chancellorsville; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to recognize Generals Lee and Jackson as two of our nation’s most notable military strategists, as beloved leaders among their troops, as pioneers in the field of higher education, and as faithful and dedicated Virginians;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize January 13, 2012 as LEE-JACKSON DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.


On a pedestal, where they belong.

God Created Man - Sam Colt Made Them Equal

2012-01-18T17:30:00.012-05:00

This is a preview for a new documentary being produced about the Colt 1911. It's right interesting. Colt still uses machines that have been operating for over 80 years in their manufacturing process.

Below is a much longer film documenting the history of Colt firearms from the Tales of the Gun series. I've not watched all of it yet, but the first few minutes make me want to watch the rest of it soon. I think I'll watch it later tonight on my brand new, dual HD monitor, blazing fast, 7i processor, Dell Optiplex PC! Yes, its true, I finally decided it was time to retire my 8 year old Dell Optiplex - along with the 11 year old HP monitor. (My kids tell me I should donate the monitor to the Smithsonian.) That old PC has been clunking along ok in recent months, though it had been getting buggier and bugger. But it was recently infected with a very nasty worm virus (from another CW blog no less) and it was going to cost me about $200 for a professional "cleaning." Unfortunately, I may have lost most of the files from the book I'd been working on as well. Won't know until later this week. I did back those files up, but the back up files may be corrupted as well. I was already thinking about retiring the old computer, so the virus just gave me the motivation I needed.

Getting the new PC will make it much easier for me to produce some more history film shorts - something I really enjoy doing. I'm also still working on the "Tour of My Office" video and, at some point in the near future, I'll post a video along with some commentary about a very special Colt firearm that I inherited from my Grandfather.

13 Is Closer To 11 Than 60 Is To 50

2012-01-17T17:30:00.003-05:00

But who's counting? Some folks are having fun with a recent video put out by the SCV which refers to there being 13 Confederate states rather than 11. Oh, and God forbid, they're making money! Capitalist pigs.

But I don't quite get the big controversy. The Confederate Congress recognized 13 states for a number of reasons. What would one expect them to say "Hey, we can't do that - the Feds are telling us that there's only 11!" Since when does one nation let another determine its political divisions? But, this is the logic of some academic historians - anything that allows them to poke fun at the SCV and the Southern Heritage folk, even when there's no real basis for it. Speaking of academic historians, since many of these same folks endorsed Barack Obama for President in 2008, they should at least acknowledge that 13 is much closer to 11 than 57 60 is to 50:

Yes, 60. Listen carefully. I would hasten to add that at least the Confederate government could make a coherent argument for recognizing 13 states. I'd love to hear the one for 60. (Do the math - since he's not counting Alaska and Hawaii: 57 + the mystery state + Alaska + Hawaii - yes, it's 60!) Ok, we need 10 more quarters, on the double. And someone needs to inform the US Mint about this. And the nerve of the Federal government - making money on coinage! Tsk, tsk, tsk.

I reckon the teleprompter was broken that day. I suppose it is difficult to recall all those pesky little details about the United States - all 60 of them.

I Used To Be A Janitor - And Proud Of It

2012-01-17T07:00:00.005-05:00

At the Republican debate last night, leftist commentator Juan Williams (who I actually like) defaulted to the common, non-thinking, leftist position: race-baiting.

Juan Williams suggested that Newt Gingrich's “poor kids should be janitors” remark was about race. "Can't you see that this is viewed, at a minimum, as insulting to all Americans, bur particularly to black Americans?" "No. I don't see that," Gingrich said to wild applause.

I grew up, during my teen years, in a broken home. My mother and father divorced when I was 12. Mom worked part time to help supplement the child support. She did the best she could. She didn't have money to pass out. My grandparents also helped out quite a bit, but they didn't dole out cash to me either. I was, by much of society's definition, a "poor kid." I got my first job when I was 14 - as a janitor. I was proud to earn my own money. I was thankful for having a job as a janitor. I remain thankful, to this day, to the man who gave me that opportunity. It was excellent training for me - as it would be for ANY teenager, regardless of the color of their skin. In 1982, after I was married, I lost my job in a local factory. But I got hired part-time; again, as a janitor. And, once again, I was glad and grateful for the opportunity. Juan Williams' comment reveals the absolute moral and intellectual bankruptcy of leftist ideology.

End or rant. Regular programming will now continue.

What Type Of Sick Person . . .

2012-01-16T17:30:00.000-05:00

. . . would burn a 3500 year-old tree for no good reason?

Investigators said there was no lightning in the area Monday morning, so they believe it was arson. Most likely, they said, someone broke into the park overnight and intentionally set the fire.

This kind of senseless destruction actually makes me physically sick. Story here.

Museum Of The Confederacy Hosting The Conspirator

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Details here. I've seen this film. I thought it was quite good.

The Complete Hunley Unveiled - Finally

2012-01-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

"No one alive has ever seen the Hunley complete. We're going to see it today."

Story here.

"Shut Your Mouth, War Is Hell"

2012-01-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

“I have sat back and assessed the incident with the video of our Marines urinating on Taliban corpses. I do not recall any self-righteous indignation when our Delta snipers Shugart and Gordon had their bodies dragged through Mogadishu. Neither do I recall media outrage and condemnation of our Blackwater security contractors being killed, their bodies burned, and hung from a bridge in Fallujah.

“All these over-emotional pundits and armchair quarterbacks need to chill. Does anyone remember the two Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division who were beheaded and gutted in Iraq?

“The Marines were wrong. Give them a maximum punishment under field grade level Article 15 (non-judicial punishment), place a General Officer level letter of reprimand in their personnel file, and have them in full dress uniform stand before their Battalion, each personally apologize to God, Country, and Corps videotaped and conclude by singing the full US Marine Corps Hymn without a teleprompter.

“As for everyone else, unless you have been shot at by the Taliban, shut your mouth, war is hell.” ~ Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), and former Army lieutenant colonel

My sentiments precisely. Congressman West should be President.

Influencing The Generations

2012-01-12T17:30:00.010-05:00

(Filed under: Tooting My Own Horn) When involved in teaching and educating others, I always wonders how much impact I'm having - if any; or, if anyone's even paying attention. Then I get a couple of private messages just this past week that gave me some encouragement. The first one was from a young man who I used to teach in Sunday school. He's now married and raising a family. Here's what he wrote:

I appreciate the influence you've been on my life. I'll never forget the Sunday School lessons on the book of Proverbs, and how you somehow managed to apply each verse to a young mans life. God Bless you . . . it wasn't just Bible lessons you drove into some of us . . . it was integrity. All of the stories of the men who led the Confederacy, too . . . that "hand in hand" with the Proverbs, I'll never forget it. It helps me to this day.

And then someone much older recently wrote, in part:

My Dear Sir:

I happened upon your Old Virginia Blog a few nights ago and have spent several happy hours, off and on, reading and enjoying it. Thank you for all your work.

I am a born Northerner (New York) who came South to college (W&L), was thoroughly charmed, and never left. I never read much American History, but decided to use the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's War to educate myself, so I've been reading as many of the classic history books as time permits. I'm still at the causes of the War, but will get to the War and its Aftermath eventually (especially looking forward to Shelby Foote and Freeman's newly reissued biography of Lee).

Have a Happy Lee-Jackson Day!

That's enough fuel to keep me going a bit longer.

America's Hunger For Heroes

2012-01-11T07:30:00.005-05:00

"Ever hungry for an authentic hero, Americans have turned to Tim Tebow. Greek columns and Teleprompters have schooled us on how to discern the sincere from the bogus, and with Barack Obama as the measure, Tim Tebow's gold stands in contrast to Obama's dross."

More here.

This is such a striking contrast between the two America's - Obama, the phony god of America's ruling class elites and academia contrasted against a real hero - a homeschooled (mocked and despised by the elites), Bible believing Christian. Such a teachable moment and reality check.

Bitter-clingers trump bumbling arrogance.

Civil War Schizophrenia

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

It is quite entertaining to observe South-bashing Civil War bloggers suggest that states' rights as part of the cause of the WBTS is revisionist history, and then read one of their heroes claim that the states' rights issues was and still is cause for division among the more conservative South and other parts of the country (see here and here).

And they claim to be "above it all" and objective. Are they schizophrenic or are they liars?