Wednesday, February 06, 2019

The Northam Matter


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.







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