Confederate history month sparks controversy
Editorial
Issue date: 4/15/10 Section: Opinion
Robert F. McDonnell, the governor of Virginia, has sparked controversy in his state with the Civil Rights leaders by declaring April Confederate History Month.
The controversy around the issue is not necessarily that the Republican governor wants to mark the month as an important stepping stone in Virginia's history, but rather that there is no attempt by the governing bodies to scorn slavery.
McDonnell left out the reference to slavery used in previous proclamations, claiming that, "there were any number of aspects to that conflict between the states," according to washingtonpost.com.
Confederate History Month is no stranger to Virginia, it had been recognized by republican governor George Allen since in 1997. The occasion tapered off for eight years, but has sprouted up and caused debate amongst political and Civil Rights leaders this spring.
McDonnell says the celebration of the month is more about the history and the sacrifices of the people of Virginia during those historically difficult times. The governor feels that the month will help the economy and add to the struggling tourism market in his state.
Another claim against the governor is that the month has been established for the purpose of strengthening his position with the conservatives in the state.
Some claim by reestablishing the historical month, the governor can regain some of the ground lost with conservatives in an election that mainly focused on jobs and the economic state that Virginia is in.
As unfortunate as it is, the truth is that there were deep seeded roots of racism in the 1800s. America's history is our own; the good and the bad, the triumphs and the shortcomings.
Slavery is a part of America's history, and as unfortunate as it may be, it was a part of what made America the nation it is today. The establishment of a Confederate History Month is not to celebrate slavery, rather it is recognized because of the significance of the period to the culture, economy and history of Virginia at that time.
The controversy around the issue is not necessarily that the Republican governor wants to mark the month as an important stepping stone in Virginia's history, but rather that there is no attempt by the governing bodies to scorn slavery.
McDonnell left out the reference to slavery used in previous proclamations, claiming that, "there were any number of aspects to that conflict between the states," according to washingtonpost.com.
Confederate History Month is no stranger to Virginia, it had been recognized by republican governor George Allen since in 1997. The occasion tapered off for eight years, but has sprouted up and caused debate amongst political and Civil Rights leaders this spring.
McDonnell says the celebration of the month is more about the history and the sacrifices of the people of Virginia during those historically difficult times. The governor feels that the month will help the economy and add to the struggling tourism market in his state.
Another claim against the governor is that the month has been established for the purpose of strengthening his position with the conservatives in the state.
Some claim by reestablishing the historical month, the governor can regain some of the ground lost with conservatives in an election that mainly focused on jobs and the economic state that Virginia is in.
As unfortunate as it is, the truth is that there were deep seeded roots of racism in the 1800s. America's history is our own; the good and the bad, the triumphs and the shortcomings.
Slavery is a part of America's history, and as unfortunate as it may be, it was a part of what made America the nation it is today. The establishment of a Confederate History Month is not to celebrate slavery, rather it is recognized because of the significance of the period to the culture, economy and history of Virginia at that time.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
vsu
posted 4/17/10 @ 1:47 PM CST
first of all confederates were not part of the U.S they left the nation. so they were not part of the united states. why should we celabrate rebelion? republicans are mad because Virginia is had become a boarderline state when it comes to elections. (Continued…)
K. S.
posted 4/20/10 @ 12:33 PM CST
By not bothering to mention slavery, he is effectively slapping the faces of the civil rights leaders in the state as well as throughout the country. As an overall movement, I can't support a month to celebrate a war. (Continued…)
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