Virginia Senate Kills Confederate History Month Measure

The Las Vegas Sun ^ | 4 January 2004 | AP

[Rebeleye]

The Virginia Senate rejected a resolution Wednesday that would have designated April as Confederate History and Heritage Month...The resolution passed easily out of a committee but failed on a voice vote in the full Senate. Republican Sen. Charles R. Hawkins introduced the measure in response to a request from the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He said it was to honor thousands of Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War.

[Rebeleye]

The Virginia Senate rejected a resolution Wednesday that would have designated April as Confederate History and Heritage Month after black lawmakers called it "a slap in the face."

The resolution passed easily out of a committee but failed on a voice vote in the full Senate.

Republican Sen. Charles R. Hawkins introduced the measure in response to a request from the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He said it was to honor thousands of Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War.

"You cannot change history," Hawkins said. "What takes place is there. If you can't change it, you have to learn from it."

But Democratic Sen. Henry L. Marsh, who is black, said the bill was an insult. "Confederate history is nothing more than exultation of one of the most shameful episodes in this country's history," he said.

Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner has avoided proclaiming Confederate History Month.

But then-Gov. George Allen issued a proclamation in 1997 and was rebuked by the state chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP threatened a state boycott when then-Gov. Jim Gilmore followed suit three years later.

[muawiyah]

I have always thought it would be much more appropriate to select a square block or two of Richmond, then bring in some of the Sons of the Confederacy to torch it (as did their GGrandfathers, et al, "way back when" as they were evacuating the city.)

We would then bring in a Lincoln "re-enactor" who would walk through the city saying profound words.

[dwd1]

Actually, we already have Armed Forces and Veterans Day.... What is this really about?

[joesnuffy]

Confederate History and Heritage Month after black lawmakers called it "a slap in the face."

Does this mean that "black history" month is canceled?

[dwd1]

As we were denied our history for a time, probably fair... We might want to consider phasing it out like AA and calling the month American History Month.... Native Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders, Confederates, Hispanics, Russians.. Everyone can talk about their contribution to America and our way of life...

[Rebeleye]

This was an effort to urge school children to study the history of the Civil War during the month of April, to remember the bravery of Southern soldiers, and to remember the contributions of citizens whose ancestry includes Confederate servicemen.
Unfortunately, political correctness is the rule of the day among our elected officials.

[dwd1]

As the Civil War is required reading and Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee are very much admired, I doubt that the bravery of Confederate Soldiers will ever be questioned... A visit to VMI might also be in order...

[CurlyBill]

Ping!

[cksharks]

Yea Yea as soon as they get rid of BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

[CurlyBill]

Actually, we already have Armed Forces and Veterans Day.... What is this really about?

Why do we need a black history month?.... or an hispanic history month? Should some people be allowed to celebrate their heritage (and have it recognized) while others do not?

[Corin Stormhands]

I have always thought it would be much more appropriate to select a square block or two of Richmond, then bring in some of the Sons of the Confederacy to torch it...

Granted there are some sections of Richmond that might actually improve, but the defeat of this bill is but one more attempt of the left to re-write history.

[Corin Stormhands]

Richmond ping.

BTW, did y'all hear the house killed Governor Warbuck's "reform" plan? I think it may have died in committee. It will have to come from the Senate now, which of course has always been the greater threat.

[muawiyah]

Unfortunately it was an attempt by anti-American elements still resident in Virginia to re-write history.

The Union Army prevailed. Time to get over it. My GGrandfathers and GGGrandfathers wouldn't have been down Souf' kicking your a$$e$ if they weren't right about it, right?

Thought so!

And yes, portions of Richmond would be improved with a burn-off from time to time.

[Corin Stormhands]

Sheesh! You make even the damnyankees look good...

[muawiyah]

I know, there's always somebody around who does not agree with the idea that Richmond should be cleaned up.

[Who is John Galt?]

Bump!

;>)

[Grand Old Partisan]

"the bravery of Southern soldiers" who killed 350,000 U.S. troops, many more than did the Nazis.

[stainlessbanner]

I do not see black history month and confederate history month at odds with each other. In fact, many blacks will celebrate confederate history on their own.

It is sad that the Virginia Senator cannot honor the men of Virginia who answered when their state called for service and left the comfort of home, farm, and family. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice - they marched away from home to far away lands to never return.

The least we can do is honor them for their service and bestow thanksgiving to their memory.

[stainlessbanner]

This article has nothing to do with Nazis unless they were in the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1861-1865. Please stay on topic.

[dljordan]

You sir, are a rude and stupid buffoon and should henceforth commit yourself to keeping your foul mouth out of thing you can't remotely comprehend. By the way, just how old ARE you?