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In reply to the discussion: The Talk [View all]napkinz
(17,199 posts)44. I was shocked to learn that some states celebrate Robert E. Lee's birthday ...
Happy Robert E. Lee Day!
January 19, 2105
By Jamelle Bouie
Why some states cant celebrate MLK without remembering the Confederate general, too.
Every state celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but not every state celebrates it the same way. In New Hampshire, Kings birthday is Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Day, an explicit celebration of the entire civil rights movement (and a compromise with lawmakers who didnt want a day devoted to King alone). In Idaho, its Martin Luther King, Jr.Idaho Human Rights Day, a celebration of justice writ large. And in three states Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi MLK Day is also Robert E. Lee Day
This isnt a different Robert E. Lee some forgotten crusader for human equality. No, this is the Gen. Robert E. Lee who led Confederate armies in war against the United States, who defended a nation built on the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man, and whose armies kidnapped and sold free black Americans whenever they had the opportunity.
-snip-
There are three other states that commemorate the life of Lee: Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.
read more: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/01/robert_e_lee_day_some_southern_states_still_celebrate_the_confederate_general.html
January 19, 2105
By Jamelle Bouie
Why some states cant celebrate MLK without remembering the Confederate general, too.
Every state celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but not every state celebrates it the same way. In New Hampshire, Kings birthday is Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Day, an explicit celebration of the entire civil rights movement (and a compromise with lawmakers who didnt want a day devoted to King alone). In Idaho, its Martin Luther King, Jr.Idaho Human Rights Day, a celebration of justice writ large. And in three states Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi MLK Day is also Robert E. Lee Day
This isnt a different Robert E. Lee some forgotten crusader for human equality. No, this is the Gen. Robert E. Lee who led Confederate armies in war against the United States, who defended a nation built on the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man, and whose armies kidnapped and sold free black Americans whenever they had the opportunity.
-snip-
There are three other states that commemorate the life of Lee: Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.
read more: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/01/robert_e_lee_day_some_southern_states_still_celebrate_the_confederate_general.html
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