Style Weekly

Richmond's alternative for news, arts, culture and opinion

May 05, 2010 Opinion & Blogs » Letters

Role of Confederacy: Virginians “Fair-Minded” 

Tools

It is my opinion that the statement “tell the whole story” is a code word for speaking only about the effects of slavery in Richmond (“Lost and Found,” Cover Story, April 28). It is readily apparent that the plan of the future of Richmond's past will include little of the story of why the Confederacy seceded or pay any attention to what will draw tourists to Richmond in the next five years. I think it will be tragic if the total emphasis is placed on slavery because I don't think people will be drawn to our state if that is the theme. The “whole story” includes a lot more than slavery, and simply because the University of Richmond's president, Ed Ayers, has drawn together the political and business types does not mean that this plan will ever really succeed without also including the Confederacy, battles, leaders and themes of the war. What could be a showcase for our state will be forever lost.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans issued a news release after Gov. Bob McDonnell's Confederate History Month Proclamation was so roundly hammered in the press. Gov. McDonnell was interested in promoting education and tourism. The shrill and vitriolic outcry over his omission did not surprise. Because of that, the SCV commissioned a statewide poll conducted by Conquest Communications. The results of the poll run completely counter to what the average person would expect. After years of media and academic attack, the average Virginian remains fair-minded about the history of the Commonwealth and the role of the Confederacy during the war and historically. It might also indicate that the average citizen is tired of the liberal drumbeat. The results of the poll will probably never be allowed to see the light of day in a newspaper but this is to let the media understand that they are not succeeding in diminishing Virginia's history with their revisionism.

Brag Bowling
Sons of Confederate Veterans

  |  

Letters archives »

Comments (1)

Showing 1-1 of 1

Add a comment

 
Subscribe to this thread:
By Email
With RSS
Showing 1-1 of 1

Add a comment

Events Calendar
Wed
19 Thu
20 Fri
21 Sat
22 Sun
23 Mon
24 Tue
25

Creative Connections

An evening of creative expression to honor lost loved ones....

Natalie Mishell and Co., Walkin for Pennies

...

RVA Cares Concert

Featuring music by Pat Russell and Mick Smith to raise money for...

View all of today's events

Submit an event

  • Re: Lose Your Illusion

    • These petition and 'anonymous' efforts can be seen as responses to the undermining of democracy…

    • Posted by Scott Burger
    • on June 18, 2013

  • Re: Twilight Zoning

    • OOPS!! so, upset I did not check myself. "The Original Plan C was not assembled…

    • Posted by Chandra Smith
    • on June 17, 2013

  • Re: Twilight Zoning

    • The "Original Plan C not assembled of the weekend. The one voted upon by the…

    • Posted by Chandra Smith
    • on June 17, 2013
  • More »

    • Facebook Recommendations

    Latest in Letters

    Other Publications

    Richmond+360+%28Other+Pubs%29
    2012+Go+Green+%28Other+Pubs%29

    Style Weekly's mission is to provide smart, witty and tenacious coverage of Richmond. Our editorial team strives to reveal Richmond's true identity through unflinching journalism, incisive writing, thoughtful criticism, arresting photography and sophisticated presentation.

    We make sense of the news; pursue those in power; explore the city's arts and culture; open windows on provocative ideas; and help readers know Richmond through its people. We give readers the information to make intelligent decisions.

    Copyright © 2013 Style Weekly
    Richmond's alternative for news, arts, culture and opinion
    All rights reserved
    Powered by Foundation