But here in Alabama Governor Riley has been issuing proclamations every years he's been in office, and the condemnation of slavery is much gentler.
Here's what the Riley document says, compared to what the Governor of Virginia added to his:
RILEY:
WHEREAS, our recognition of Confederate history also recognizes that slavery was one of the causes of the war, an issue in the war, was ended by the war and slavery is hereby condemned;
MCDONNELL
WHEREAS, it is important for all Virginians to understand that the institution of slavery led to this war and was an evil and inhumane practice that deprived people of their God-given inalienable rights and all Virginians are thankful for its permanent eradication from our borders, and the study of this time period should reflect upon and learn from this painful part of our history…The Virginia proclamation makes Alabama's seem a bit tepid, no?
Anyway, the Virginia Governor's ommission was a case of history repeating itself. Riley himself did the same thing in 2004, but it was quickly chalked up to an "error", and a "corrected" document was issued.
[UPDATE: Friday, 4/9/10, President Obama says Governor McDonnell did the right thing.]
Well now... this is a good question, is it not?
ReplyDeleteThat being, how do we recognize and honor our own history, checkered though it may be?
I must admit, I rather prefer Riley's speechwriter's succinct brevity, than the prolonged bs served up by the Virginian.
Writing of checkered history... I understand U of A in T-town will be erecting a monument commemorating G. Wallace's infamous (and largely symbolic) "stand in the schoolhouse door" on that campus.
Or... is it commemorating the JFK-led feds whom stood on guard to ensure the first Black student would be granted admission?
The T-Town News' Adam Jones had a story about it yesterday, Tuesday, 06 April 2010 - "Feedback shapes Foster Plaza redesign," which excerpt states, "The Malone Hood Plaza, part of a multimillion dollar renovation of Foster, will commemorate that historic event, which gained national attention because of former Gov. George Wallace's failed “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door.” It was a symbolic attempt by Wallace to block Jones and Hood from enrolling at UA in 1963."