Treason
against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them,
or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid
and comfort. (Article III, Section 3;
emphasis added)
LEADERS—in a republic—teach,
and their best lessons are by example. Acknowledging personal
shortcomings and apologizing is fine. But making amends by making a
change is better. So, Governor, how about
addressing some institutional problems?
The Commonwealth of Virginia observes
Lee-Jackson Day.* They committed
treason, the only crime defined in the Constitution because it is a threat to
the life
of the Republic. So, Governor, why not call for an end to such an
offense to the oath?
Jefferson Davis Highway disrespects
the supreme law of the land. For the
man committed treason. Alexandria changed
the name to Richmond Highway effective New Year's Day. So, Governor,
why not support Arlington’s effort in the General Assembly to do the same?^
George Washington's endowment rescued Liberty
Hall Academy, and it was renamed in his honor. But after the
Civil War and Robert E. Lee’s tenure as president of Washington College, the name
was changed to Washington and Lee University.*^ One was a patriot
and the other was a traitor, which does not justify the latter’s elevation. So, Governor,
after taking action in the public sphere, you will have the moral authority to encourage
a private college to change its name. Why not honor the
man who accompanied the Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces to
New England when the troops of the North and South were to be reviewed for the
first time? That gentleman's
name was Billy Lee, someone the Father of the Country remembered in his will.
Celebrating those who committed
treason has disastrous consequences. And finger-pointing is easy. But the time has come for
climate change—of a different kind—because conditions matter. So, critics, why not
challenge the Governor to rise to the occasion?
(c)2019 Marvin D. Jones. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment