A "a board member who voted against the class said at the meeting. ‘I think we’re missing an opportunity to present positive messages of unity and great American contributions.’" To me, the big irony in that kind of shallow thoughtlessness is that it stems from something that's actually important, while at the same time denying that very thing.
Yes, "great American contributions" matter in a world where freedom and human dignity will always be under threat, or worse. The greatest American contribution might well be the country's overall freedom story, which is unique in the original sense of that adjective. It's unique because this is the first country to try, however haltingly, to found itself on principles of freedom and human dignity.
Emancipation is not the only crucial feature of that overall story, and America was not the only emancipating country. Still, please consider: Historian David Brion Davis calls slavery's eradication "probably the greatest landmark of willed moral progress in human history." The conservative Wall Street Journal columnist Jason L. Riley says "What makes America unique is not slavery. It’s emancipation."
Our overall freedom story can serve the world, but the world is too smart to take encouragement from the example of people who cover up, or lie about, their whole story. That's what that board member proposes.
Excellent - thank you for continuing to publish Grape & Canister on your SubStack. Perfect title, BTW. Hug Otis for me, please; I really miss having pets.
A "a board member who voted against the class said at the meeting. ‘I think we’re missing an opportunity to present positive messages of unity and great American contributions.’" To me, the big irony in that kind of shallow thoughtlessness is that it stems from something that's actually important, while at the same time denying that very thing.
Yes, "great American contributions" matter in a world where freedom and human dignity will always be under threat, or worse. The greatest American contribution might well be the country's overall freedom story, which is unique in the original sense of that adjective. It's unique because this is the first country to try, however haltingly, to found itself on principles of freedom and human dignity.
Emancipation is not the only crucial feature of that overall story, and America was not the only emancipating country. Still, please consider: Historian David Brion Davis calls slavery's eradication "probably the greatest landmark of willed moral progress in human history." The conservative Wall Street Journal columnist Jason L. Riley says "What makes America unique is not slavery. It’s emancipation."
Our overall freedom story can serve the world, but the world is too smart to take encouragement from the example of people who cover up, or lie about, their whole story. That's what that board member proposes.
Well said, Steven.
Always love the Otis pics! ❤️
I should start a Substack just for Otis. LOL
Yes you should, not that we don't all appreciate you too.
Lol!
Good luck with your peer review and thunderous applause for the Ft Wagner photo. I ain’t never seen nothing like it before!
Excellent - thank you for continuing to publish Grape & Canister on your SubStack. Perfect title, BTW. Hug Otis for me, please; I really miss having pets.
Me, too.
I enjoy putting these posts together. Otis sends his best. 🐕🦺