…was not about slavery. I maintain and have always maintained that those who make that argument are deceiving themselves and frankly are not reading the material of the time.
Newly Elected Virgina Governor Bob McDonald’s restoration of Confederate History Month, (good idea) coupled with his failure to include the recognition of slavery and it’s evils (incredibly stupid, ridiculous and horrible idea) was a great example of that dynamic in action.
McDonald has since corrected the idiocy by acknowledging his mistake and adding the following to his proclamation:
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;
This has led to some excellent introspection including this quote from Alexander Stephens at the Corner.
Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth.
The idea of emancipation was so radical when suggested by Irish Pat Cleburne it stopped the advancement of one of the best commanders the Confederates ever had.
To paper this stuff over is to deny reality.
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