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| I think that the difference is that, while Jefferson owned slaves, he was not a traitor (or, if you prefer, rebel). I am a bit concerned for VMI's statue of Stonewall Jackson, however. It is a state college. If they take down the Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee statues at University of Texas, Austin, then why wouldn't the same arguments apply to re-locating the Jackson statue? |
Article 3, Section 3 of the Constitution of the United States:
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.
LA Times
"This week, the Jefferson Memorial was drawn into the national debate about race following the shooting deaths of nine people in a predominantly black church in South Carolina last week. It joins other public statues depicting Southern or Confederate figures, including Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee, that some are arguing represent the country's racist past and should be removed.
CNN anchor Ashleigh Banfield [She's still around?] this week questioned whether the Jefferson Memorial should be taken down because Jefferson owned slaves. "There is a monument to him in the capital city of the United States. No one ever asks for that to come down," Banfield said."
Dallas Morning News
"UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves announced Tuesday that he will convene a committee of students, faculty and alumni to “discuss the future of the Jefferson Davis statue” and present him with recommendations.
Gregory Vincent, vice president for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, will lead the committee and expects to make recommendations this summer concerning the Davis statue and potentially three other Confederate-affiliated statues on campus."
I was going to write you an aside Jeff email, but found it too depressing, will get back to it later.
ReplyDeleteSurprised that Banfield hasn't toppled over due to topology long ago. What do you make of this:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3317522/
Haven't seen the sleep paralysis doc. Is it any good? I don't buy that sleep paralysis is THE explanation for alien abduction experiences, etc.
ReplyDeleteExplains a hell of a lot of Fortean phenomenon if there's anything to it.
ReplyDeleteFort's principle: "People with a psychological need to believe in marvels are no more prejudiced and gullible than people with a psychological need not to believe in marvels." I like it.
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