BAYNE Home Who is Floyd Other Sites Email Me Commentary-- Updated 2/6/06! WC Archives |
Floyd's Opinion
Historical IgnoranceDear Editor, I write regarding the article in this day’s edition of the Times-Dispatch, seen on page B2 of the Metro section, "Kaine issues pardon in slave revolt." The purpose of this letter is not to remonstrate against our heroic governor’s pardoning of the slave Gabriel. It is rather to point out the ignorance and hatred that still exists among some black "leaders" in our Commonwealth. The leader of the NAACP in Virginia, King Salim Khalfani, states, "In the capital of the Confederacy, where monuments to the traitors of the Union are maintained with tax dollars, this is a momentous occasion." There is so much in that statement that begs rebuttal, however, I will focus on the use of the word 'traitors'. I would remind Mr. Khalfani, and those of like mind, that this nation is a voluntary Union of States. I refer to the opening paragraph of our Declaration of Independence which states, "When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands (emphasis mine) which have connected them with another..." I would also like to cite that President which has achieved demi-god status in our culture, Abraham Lincoln, who said, regarding secession, "Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better." Those who fought for the south during the War for Southern Independence were not attempting to overthrow the U.S. government. They were simply trying to do as Lincoln had stated, "...form a new one that suits them better." Does this qualify as traitorous? Of course it was the same Abraham Lincoln who ordered the invasion of the south in order to "maintain the Union." There are so many more factors that led to the late unpleasantness that they cannot possibly be covered here. I would simply hope that those in a position of leadership and responsibility would avail themselves of the knowledge that is available to them, regarding our nation’s history, before making such ignorant statements in the future. The truth is out there you just have to have the courage to believe it when you see it. Sincerely, Floyd C. Bayne
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