I'm not a "son" of Virginia but I did drop her and the paper, a line:
I was appalled to read what must currently pass for investigative journalism in your paper. A man, 257 years ago, in Virginia, owned a slave and this is news. Before your journalists start lecturing Delegates and citizens about race relations and civic responsibility, perhaps they need to re-take their high school government classes. The Constitution specifically states that no Corruption of blood shall occur for that most heinous of civic crimes: treason. Why, then, is it permissible to suggest that Delegate Hargrove is somehow tainted by the actions of a forefather? Actions that, by the by, were legal, socially acceptable, and widespread in 1850s Virginia?
Ms. Meola had best contact Child Services and have my children removed from my care, since I have an ancestor who was a pirate. You never know when I might take up drinking rum and stealing while giving up brushing my teeth! Arr!
And wow I should profreed before posting.. "157 years ago" instead of "257 years ago".