MLK & R.E. Lee: The Duality Of The South

This weekend marks both Martin Luther King Day and Lee-Jackson Day here in Virginia. Its appropriate that both holidays are observed, for each represents the inherant bi-racial nature of the South. Southern history, unlike almost any part in the country, is defined by the struggle of two races to overcome their own prejudices, to live up to the words of the southern egalitarian/slaveholder Thomas Jefferson: " . . . that all men are created equal."

Robert E. Lee of Arlington, Virginia and Martin Luther King, Jr. of Atlanta, GA. Both represent the South and its history, both represent the dual nature of the South, and both offer us hope that we will eventually live up to Mr. Jefferosn's words.

Robert E. Lee:

The interests of the State are therefore the same as those of the United States. Its prosperity will rise or fall with the welfare of the country. The duty of its citizens, then, appears to me too plain to admit of doubt. All should unite in honest efforts to obliterate the effects of war, and to restore the blessings of peace. They should remain, if possible, in the country; promote harmony and good feeling; qualify themselves to vote; and elect to the State and general Legislatures wise and patriotic men, who will devote their abilities to the interests of the country, and the healing of all dissensions. I have invariably recommended this course since the cessation of hostilities, and have endeavored to practice it myself.

Martin Luther King:

I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

Southern history is confusing, frustrating, and confounding. But in remembering Lee and King, we remember the past; where we came from and where we must now go. Through Lee, the warrior and idol of the Confederacy ; and King, the prophet and apostle of unity and healing--we see the South for what it was, what it is, and what it could become.

(BDM has more.)

Comments

[brimur]

Agreed.

[James Atticus Bowden]

There is another unity. Lee, Jackson and King were defined by their devout Christianity.

Winston Churchill wrote the Confederate Army was the most Christian army to ever march.

Either we have one history or not. Then, if we do, we can have one future destiny.

[Chris]

Not sure I would refer to the Confederacy as a Christian Army, given what they were either directly or indirectly fighting for.

[James Atticus Bowden]

Chris: You went to precisely the point. You wouldn't call the Confederate Army Christian, but Winston Churchill said it was the most devoutly Christian Army to ever march. Who do you think has a better grasp of history - you or Churchill?

[Rob]

Just so... an army of devoted men fighting for a flawed cause, yet one superior to that of their victorious opponents, once one takes in the whole picture.