Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Another Look At Robert E. Lee

Via Jonathan

 

Do Not Sit Idly By
  By Matt Miller
 
One need not look far to stumble upon the anti-Confederate rhetoric from various journalists or history organizations. The Atlantic, The Root, or the ACWM (American Civil War Museum) are all prime examples. I’ve noticed they like to pick on someone in particular: General Robert E. Lee.
 
I recently came upon an article entitled Myths & Misunderstandings: Lee as a Slaveholder. The short piece is premised around an account by a Mr. Wesley Norris who claims Robert E. Lee himself gave out a brutal whipping to slaves who attempted to run away. After doing a bit of research it can be discovered that this historical tale was originally printed in a vehemently anti-slavery paper in 1866—7 years after the alleged incident occurred. Interestingly, there is no evidence whatsoever to back up this claim and there was never an attempt to interview the many supposed witnesses to the occurrence. A couple other accounts mention a whipping, but none of the stories line up with one another.  While certain aspects of the story could be historically verified, the alleged whipping could not. In fact, there’s a body of evidence that contradicts what this account presents concerning General Lee’s character.


“I was raised by one of the greatest men in the world. There was never one born of a woman greater than Gen. Robert E. Lee, according to my judgment. All of his servants were set free ten years before the war, but all remained on the plantation until after the surrender." Reverend William Mac Lee, Robert E. Lee’s personal black body servant, stated the previous quote directly in his biography. Reverend William Lee was just one of dozens upon dozens of historical, verifiable accounts, from those all around the world—including many Northerners, who spoke about the outstanding character of Robert E. Lee. This biography was published years after the war when Lee was long-gone. Does anyone suppose the Reverend had any benefit to lying about his friend? Why would he say these things if he didn’t have an utmost respect for the General?
 
How shall the journalists and historians debunk and refute the countless accounts, from those both black and white, who had nothing but praise and admiration for Lee? Humility, Christian character, duty, honor, service, kindness, these are all attributes remarked upon when those who knew Lee spoke of his character. In fact, it appears Mr. Norris’s account is a minority view in a sea of positives, it makes one wonder if the Norris account wasn’t fabricated. Is it really that farfetched to believe that the same kind of folk who spun the lies of Uncle Toms Cabin, a fictional work presented as reality, would fabricate an account to denigrate the name of Robert E. Lee? These are all things to ponder.
 
Secondly, Lee did inherit slaves from his father-in-law’s estate which were finally released in 1862, a mere six months after the wills request. There could be multiple reasons why Lee may have not immediately set them free. One historical aspect anti-Southern historians forget to mention is that after the War Between the States many slaves chose to remain with the plantation family they previously served. This was because they were part of that family, but sometimes it was because they had no where else to go. During reconstruction many slaves who were suddenly set free had no means to support themselves—no working trade or skill. It's possible that Robert E. Lee’s strategy was no different, how can you justify releasing a people from your care who have no means to support themselves? Take for example the humane systems we’ve constructed which attempt to help convicts, homeless, or the mentally challenged. These institutions try to train people to live in the real world. Is it that unbelievable to suspect that Robert E. Lee may have kept them around until he knew they could support themselves? Is this not a justifiable, humane thing to do?
 
Of course, for attempting to refute claims and defend the good name of Robert E. Lee I will be called a racist. Make no mistake, it is titles such as these that were designed to shut down arguments and bolster up the accuser. It’s everywhere these days, and unsurprisingly blatant in the article which I previously referenced. “Alexander Stephens Cornerstone Speech” apparently tells-all about what the Confederacy is based upon, which they say is “white supremacy.”
 
These subjective historians forget to mention that both Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, and Robert Toombs, another prominent Confederate leader, both gave similar speeches citing that the cornerstone of the Confederacy was something other than “white supremacy.” Do these not hold any historical ground? The real difference between their speeches and Mr. Stephens is that there are written copies. What the modern historians conceal is that Mr. Stephens speech was reported ad hoc by a journalist, which is the only piece of evidence. For the benefit of the doubt, let’s assume the Vice-President’s speech is true. And if that’s the case is the rhetoric of Stephen’s Cornerstone Speech any different than what was produced by Abraham Lincoln in his Lincoln-Douglas Debates where he literally says, on record, that whites are superior to blacks and that he never desires blacks to vote, much less have citizenship? That was the 16th President talking—let’s remove the Lincoln memorial!
 
People that write disparaging articles on Robert E. Lee are the same ones who blatantly tar and feather the reputation of one of America’s greatest political leaders and founders; Thomas Jefferson, who supposedly “impregnated one of his slaves.” This is what is preached on the tours at Monticello, incessantly. No matter he helped create one of the greatest political systems in the world. No matter he wrote the Declaration of Independence. No matter he was the President. No matter he was a brilliant man and a superb example of Americanism. He was a slave owner, therefore all else is out the window, he’s “evil.” To all those still eating up this lie, do a thorough research for yourself on Mr. Jefferson and his slaves. Most historians do not believe Thomas impregnated one of his slaves. The evidence more strongly suggests it was not him.
 
From Lee to Jefferson—from the Confederate flag to Betsy Ross, it doesn’t take much to discover that there’s a war on for our history, symbols, and culture. There’s no sugar coating about it, this is a war on Southern Christian America, and anyone who defends them. This Robert E. Lee article is a prime example. These are the same people praising Lincoln—but little do they know that the agenda isn’t just for Lee, its for every piece of history in our beloved society. Working man or woman, do you want every vestige of history and the heroes we hold sacred to be drug through the mud? Will you allow them to depreciate all the good which our founders and people have produced? We must not stand idly by as people with vile agendas steal, kill, and destroy our history and heroes.
 
9/11/2019

Confirmation of an Insane World: Saigon's VietPride (LGBTQ) 2019 Parade


Vietnamese Refugees at Eglin AFB, 1975

Via Reborn

 Photo of refugees at the Vietnamese Refugee Processing Center at Eglin Air Force Base in 1975. 

More @ VOA News

‘Whistleblower’ colluded with House Democrats before making complaint

Via Billy

 Image result for ‘Whistleblower’ colluded with House Democrats before making complaint

The White House • October 2, 2019

As President Donald J. Trump joined Finland President Sauli Niinistö for a joint press conference this afternoon, he was handed a breaking news article published by The New York Times. The story is damning for House Democrats: Impeachment czar and Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) knew about the “whistleblower’s” complaint against President Trump before he or she made it.

 President Trump: Schiff’s account to Congress was a total fabrication.

“The federal intelligence community whistleblower law explicitly states intelligence community whistleblowers must formally go through the ICIG [Inspector General of the Intelligence Community] *before* contacting Congress,” Federalist cofounder Sean Davis writes on Twitter.

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) adds that Rep. Schiff “withheld this info from the American people” and even from the House Intelligence Committee. “In light of this news, it’s hard to view impeachment as anything aside from an orchestrated farce.”

Legitimate whistleblowers do this country an important service, President Trump says. But when these laws are exploited for raw partisan politics, it makes a mockery of the entire process. The damage being done to public trust in government is enormous.

Trump approval climbs to highest level of 2019 amid impeachment inquiry

Image result for The Hill-HarrisX Daily Poll Trump approval climbs to highest level of 2019 amid impeachment inquiry

President Trump’s approval ticked up to 49 percent — its highest mark this year, according to a new Hill-HarrisX survey released on Wednesday.

The figure marks a 2-point increase from a Sept. 11-12 poll, but a 2-point decrease from its previous peak of 51 percent last August.

Trump's disapproval rating, meanwhile, dropped to 51 percent, which marks his lowest level so far this year.

More @ The Hill

Former CIA Officer Tells Tucker Why Trump Should Ask Senate To Investigate The CIA Unlisted


Jeff Sessions Applauds Trump on Trade, Immigration, Foreign Policy — ‘Republican Leadership Needs to Get Their Back Up’

 Jeff Sessions speaks to the Madison County, AL GOP, 10/1/2019

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – It was a speech that could best be described as “vintage Jeff Sessions.”

Six miles and 1,312 days removed from where the former U.S. Senator gave GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump his first major endorsement of the 2016 presidential campaign, Sessions spoke to attendees at the Madison County, AL Republican Party’s Freedom Celebration gala. There he pledged his unwavering support for the current commander-in-chief and the policy positions that got Trump elected.

More @ Breitbart

Ex-CIA expert addresses Trump

Via John


Author Peter Schweizer Releases Biden Corruption Documents, The Fallout For Hunter Could Be Huge

Via John


Author Peter Schweizer, employed by the Government Accountability Institute, recently made an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” where he discussed all of the controversy surrounding the Biden family and their involvement in a huge pay-for-play scandal.

In the author’s book, “Secret Empires,” Schweizer dishes the dirt on the corruption at the core of D.C. elites, including the Biden scandals involving both China and the Ukraine.

Let’s just say that things aren’t looking all that good for Crazy Uncle Joe and his son Hunter right now.

Liz Cheney: Trump-Ukraine call 'starting to seem like a political setup'

Via David

Image result for Liz Cheney: Trump-Ukraine call 'starting to seem like a political setup'

@SpeakerPelosi said on 60 Minutes last night she knew the details of the classified Ukraine call before White House released transcript. This is starting to seem like a political set up. So, Madame Speaker, 'what did you know and when did you know it?'" Cheney tweeted.

Virginia police officer suspended after turning in suspected undocumented immigrant over to ICE

Via Eddie Raffs

 Virginia officer suspended for turning driver over to ICE after accident: police

A Virginia police officer was suspended after he allegedly helped Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials detain an undocumented immigrant after a traffic accident.

Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler Jr. announced the suspension Tuesday but did not name the officer. The incident stemmed from a Sept. 21 car accident where the officer in question detained one of the drivers who was suspected of being undocumented and alerted ICE officials, according to The Washington Post.

More @ The Hill

10 Reasons Democrats' Impeachment Argument Is Falling Apart

Via John

Image result for 10 Reasons Democrats' Impeachment Argument Is Falling Apart

On Wednesday Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) offered a compelling case for impeaching President Trump. Describing his actions as a “classic mafia shakedown of a foreign leader,” Schiff said Trump in a phone call with the Ukrainian president threatened to withhold aid if he didn’t produce comprising intelligence on his 2020 political rival, Joe Biden.
“The president communicates to his Ukrainian counterpart that the United States has done a lot for Ukraine; we’ve done an awful lot for Ukraine, more than the Europeans or anyone else has done for Ukraine, but there’s not much reciprocity here. This is how a mafia boss talks. What have you done for us? We’ve done so much for you. But there’s not much reciprocity. I have a favor I want to ask you. And what is that favor? Of course the favor is to investigate his political rival, to investigate the Bidens.”
It sounds bad.

More @ Zero Hedge

Do Republicans See the Strategy to Discredit the Barr Investigation?

Via John


Democrats and their media friends are attempting to paint the Barr investigation, in the public mind, as a corrupt extension of a down-and-dirty Trump 2020 political campaign.
 
In the weekend column, I observed the media-Democrat complex’s politicized reporting of the July 25 conversation between President Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart:
Trump detractors hyper-focus on the president’s request that President Zelensky provide Attorney General Barr with any information Ukraine might have about Biden twisting arms to quash an investigation involving his son’s cashing in on dad’s influence. I say “hyper-focus” because there was a lot more to it than that. Long before the conversation came around to the Biden topic, the “favor” that Trump asked for was Zelensky’s assistance in Barr’s ongoing investigation of the genesis of the Trump-Russia investigation.
More @ NRO

Pitt County, NC: Repost 2011

 


Pitt County
Around the turn of the century Pitt County was very poor while Edgecombe was prosperous with Tarboro having a much larger population than Rocky Mount. The population part has now been reversed. As such, the women in Edgecombe only had to attend to household endeavors while the men were farmers. My Cousin Bill Bass tells a story of his grandfather being driven from Tarboro to Rocky Mount in his horse and buggy accompanied by Bob, a black servant. At any rate, after they had pranced along for awhile Bob said to Mr. Bass, "we're in Pitt County now" to which Mr. Bass replied "How do you know that, Bob?"which was answered with "there's a woman plowing over there!

Dems Target Trump (Again) While Illegal Alien Child Rapists Go Free

Via David


Trump's Transparency is Driving the Left Nuts (and Messing Up Their Impeachment Dreams)

 

“He wasn't supposed to release the transcripts. Or the whistleblower report. He was expected to do what any president would have done – what President Obama always did. Hide the evidence,” former Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) writes in Fox News.

“As House Democrats rolled out their latest meticulously choreographed, perfectly timed, and broadly coordinated attack on President Trump, they weren't counting on the president's unprecedented transparency. Nobody releases a transcript of calls between heads of state. But Donald Trump did.”

More @ Rational Review

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 “Our founders created the greatest country in the history of the world, where anything is possible. We have the freedom to get an education, raise a family, travel, pick a career, and live in peace. Few countries are like America,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) writes in Fox Business. “It really is amazing. And it’s important to stop and think about it sometimes – what we have and what we could lose if we let Democratic socialists have their way.”

“Deplorable” 19th-Century American Catholics and the 21st-Century Culture War

 

A review of Faith and Fury: The Rise of Catholicism During the Civil War (Ewtn Publishing, 2019) by Fr. Charles Connor

The abolitionists are wrong as to their point of departure. They begin, consciously or unconsciously, by assuming that the people of the United States are one people, not in the restricted sense in which they are so declared by the constitution, but in all senses, to the fullest extent, as much so as the people of France or England.

 — Orestes Brownson

Even if Father Charles Connor does not go far enough in challenging the utopian narrative of American liberal progress in Faith and Fury:  The Rise of Catholicism During the Civil War, his extensive, meticulous, and scholarly treatment of the period in question brings to light numerous facts which have generally been overlooked.  Indeed, if we use Father Connor’s rich account as a starting point, we may well go on to wonder whether the information he relates has been overlooked and glossed over precisely because it is extremely embarrassing to 21st – Century American Catholic educators and scholars.  Such people are in the habit of accomodating mainstream American sensibilities even at the cost of politically “sanitizing” and misrepresenting the Church’s history and heritage.