Washington (CNN) – An African-American Virginia lawmaker said Wednesday that he is not yet ready to accept an apology from Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, suggesting McDonnell’s misstep regarding Virginia’s confederate history is part of a pattern which calls the governor’s sincerity into question.
The Republican governor apologized earlier Wednesday after coming under criticism for issuing a proclamation that declared April to be Confederate History Month in the state but which made no mention of slavery.
Earlier: Not mentioning slavery 'a mistake,' McDonnell says
“The failure to include any reference to slavery was a mistake, and for that I apologize to any fellow Virginian who has been offended or disappointed,” McDonnell said in a statement. The governor also announced that his proclamation would be amended to mention slavery and call it “an evil and inhumane practice.”
But Virginia State Sen. Henry Marsh III said the mea culpa was not enough.
“He has a right to apologize,” Marsh, a Democrat, said on CNN’s “John King, USA,” “but I don’t accept that as a good answer because this is a pattern of this governor. He says the wrong thing, he sends a signal to his base and then he makes an apology. And this has happened many, many times so I think it’s a question of whether or not he’s sincere or not.”
Marsh also faulted McDonnell for not being sufficiently inclusive in how he governs Virginia.
“He set a high standard for himself,” Marsh said of McDonnell. “He said he was going to bring Virginians together, he was going to reach out and be the governor for all Virginians. But, so far, his actions haven’t demonstrated that. And this is the latest in a series of insults to a sizeable segment of Virginia. And I just think that we need to be careful – that you can do something and apologize and keep on doing it again. And I don’t think that’s the right way to govern all the people.”
Marsh added that he accepted McDonnell as “my governor,” but added “I expect respect from him and toward me and my constituents. If he continues to do this, I’m not going to believe his apologies. If he’s sincere then I’ll accept his apologies but, so far, he’s starting off on the wrong foot.”
The Virginia lawmaker also told King he’d be “glad” to meet with McDonnell.
While Marsh held his ground when it came to the Republican governor, McDonnell’s apology was accepted by a prominent, African-American Democrat.
“My great, great grandparents, their offspring and others were split up in the Commonwealth of Virginia & sold into slavery,” Donna Brazile posted on Twitter. “Apology accepted,” the Democratic strategist and CNN political contributor declared.
McDonnell was invited to appear on the Wednesday broadcast of “John King, USA” and the governor continues to have an invitation to come on the program, King said.
From CNN Politics
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All CNN does is stir up racial hatred these days. I watched this channel my whole life until I heard Donna Brazille and Roland Martin get on TV and say there will be riots in Denver if Hillary Clinton gets the Democratic nomination. I'm sure there would have been riots if CNN had anything to do with.
Isn't it ironic that that this channel is so into racial equality (and pointing out every inequality), but it can't even hire a black anchor for it's prime time line up.
Here's my spill on race, it's in the constitution: "All men are created equal". So if you are poor, work hard in school, and keep working hard when you get out. You are entitled to nothing. Be thankful for what you have.
We are all Americans. I think we should drop African, Chineese, Gay, etc. from the front.
McDonnell's actions have shown what he believes about others and it isn't good. The remainder of his term is going to be divisive and hateful and one can only hope that cooler heads prevail. God help us all.
If this governor does not understand what the civil war was all about – then he needs to resign his office and go back to high school and get his diploma re-issued. He jsut seems like a really out of touch Republican so called conservative – maybe he needs to ask all of the black citizens of Virginia how they feel about his ability to run there state – Not likely to get there vote again – nor should he.........
I am sick and tired of this "I am offended" junk. Some people are never going to be happy no matter what you do, its never good enough. That being the case I believe there is much growing up to do by some of these lawmakers who make up the "United States of the Offended.
What kind of an apology was that by governor McDonnell or should I say McDummy, I thought he was an educated man, I am sure he put some thought into this holiday before saying anything about it. So what will McDummy say next that Virginia can fly the confederate flag in the front yard, I am sure that Germany does have a National holiday month for Hitler.
This is just a glimpse of the kind of the republicans the party wants to be in power. If you don't support Dems, VOTE INDEPENDENT!!!
This is crazy! I am seeing RED!!!
McDonnell ran on a platform of jobs and public safety. He and his AG seem to be wasting all their time and our tax money to reignite culture wars, file frivolous health care lawsuits, and now worship the Confederacy. This clown is anything but a rising star in the GOP. Just another extremist wing nut.
When you start making a big deal about what the racist Democrats say, then more people will listen. Democrats have the minorities in their pocket and they know it. They use the minorities, I wish they would open their eyes and see it. Obama used all of you Democrats, now look what we have. Give me Bush any day of the week, at least we still resembled the United States of America when he left. I have no idea what will be left of the USA when Obama's done.
Speaking as someone whose mother is from VA and who attended college there, it is sad that the people of the state voted in such an obvious 'beard' for racism, homophobia, and the 'old ways'. There was little romantic about the past of the South in regards to slavery, human rights and freedom. You had an economy entirely developed on crushing the backs of other human beings who were legally property. McDonald is who he is, but the shame is on the heads of the voters of Virginia just as the disgraces of the Bush II administration were the responsibility of those who voted for such a worthless man twice. Is there never a learning curve?
Very touchy, we will have to check all of the MLK proclamations issued for their inclusiveness. I bet this Marsh character is one of those typical liberal hypocrites.
I don't know which is more pathetic...Celebrating a dark period of American history or finding fault with its apparent lack of political correctness. Its truly amazing the levels to which American politicians will stoop to get votes.
When is the south going to realize that they lost the civil war? As a result, they dont get to fly their rebel flag, and they dont get to have a "confederate month". They were traitors, clear and simple.
McDonnell is the voice that has taken over the GOP. He relishes in taking the state of Virginia back over 100 years. How am I suppose to celebrate Confederacy month as an African-American? Should I dress up like a slave with chains and call you "massah". Should I wave a confederate flag and have my children do the same? That flag and the confederacy is a sign of racism and pro-slavery. Hands down.
It wasn't mentioned because McDonnell doesn't consider it important. Please, we saw what type of weasle this guy was during the election with his thesis papers. What idiot is surprised that he would do something like this. He is a sophisticated Duke who never made the mistake on putting on the sheet. He made the proclamation to celebrate white southern priviledge not to celebrate the history of the PEOPLE of VA. And time will continue to reveal that this guy is trying to conceal his true nature and thoughts. But he will continue to reveal in insideous ways his sexism, racism, and homophobia. Congrats VA, this guy is a real winner.
Confederate history month?! You've got to be kidding! What's next, Al Quaida history month or perhaps the Third Reich? The Conferacy fought, in part, for the right to continue enslaving other human beings. That is hardly something to celebrate.
Confederate , or anything to do with Confederacy bring back bitter memories for Black folks, there are other important think or groups in Virginia the Gov can promote, but a system that de-grade another group of American no way, especially at this time when we have the first Black President, I wonder if he is going to proclamation a month call Nazi history
As a white woman, I stand with State Sen. Henry Marsh III 100%.
That's quite an omission! Anyone out there want to say that was an accident??????????
What the governor meant to say was, "It was so long ago. Can't you people get over it?" He should have brought in Sarah and Michelle to articulate his apology better.
Why do southerners celebrate the Confederate States of America?
The typical GOP apology...I am sorry...I got caught.
I doubt there is an ounce of sincereity in the GOP governor. What was he thinking...oh yeah...pander to the right...pander to the right
There is absolutely no legitimate reason for any governmental entity state , national or local, to declare a "holiday" honoring confederates or the confederacy. One has only to look at historical documentation declaring reasons for secession (becoming confederates) by the various states to come to this conclusion. In Texas for example, the Texas secession document states emphatically that they intend to keep Africans enslaved perpetually. I would also look at early historical documents from the Sons and Daughters of the Confederacy to uncover their blatantly racist beginnings.
Honoring the south and it's traditions (minus it's history of slavery and racism , and support of the confederacty is not objectionable)
The interview we Martin shows just how racist he is. It appears that its fine to have a "black history month", but the south can't have one for the confederacy. You need to go BACK to school and understand that the civil war was NOT based on freeing the blacks, but who would have control of the government. As usual, CNN can't get the facts straight.
The Confederate Soldier died for his country just like the Union soldier. The American Union Flag was draped on the dead Union soldier's coffin. The Confederate flag was draped on the dead Confederate soldier's coffin.
Americains should have respect for both flags for soldiers who didn't really want to die just like today's soldier.
Thank God that America is now united with citizens from every part of America.
Great move Governor McDonnell! How about declaring May Holocaust appreciation month! Perhaps the day Martin Luther King was assasinated could be called Liberty Day! Better yet, July could be declared Spanish Inquisition Celebration month! Keep up the good work Robert McDonnell! You're a real inspiration to the youth of the United States. Excuse me, I mean the Confederate States!
By the way, I'm being sarcastic!
It was only a mistake after he was called out on it. This is a clear example of the fear/hate/obstructionism/purity ideology of the current Republican party.
We need to stop this kind of hate/fear/purity thinking by electing either a true Democrat or Independent in 2010 and send a clear message to the current Republican establishment that enough is enough of their hate/fear/obstructionism/purity ideology.
This is whats wrong with this country as far as the history is taught by teachers today.Any one can get a copy of the proclamation ecmancipation and see that it only freed the slaves in the confederate states.What about all the slaves in the northern states.Does this turn on any lightbulbs on in any ones head. If the war was about slavery and not greed from the us government, then why did it take over two years for proclamation ecmancipation to be enacted.Why did the family of Abraham Lincolns wife keep slaves thoughout the war. Why did the union General Grant keep slaves during the civil war, and the confederate General Lee have none.Why was there race riots in New York City during the civil war where thousands of blacks were killed.
Complete racism and antiquated southern arrogance. You didn't succeed at splitting the union and trying to honor traitors borders on treason!
McDonnell apology is a fake. He believes in a all white/straight Virginian government. First it was taking rights away from gay's next he'll try African Americans and who next.
Black history month, MLK Day, the NAACP, and the CBC are just not enough pittance for the whites to be reminded of their historic guilt! Never mond the Civel War along with slavery ended in 1865, the Civil Rights movements in the 1960s, and the fact that there is a black President currently! To the race-baiting folks like Marsh, I say get an education, get a job, and GET ON WITH YOUR LIVES!
Sen. Henry Marsh III--go pound sand.
Why do people try to turn everything into racism anymore. This is not about race it is about history of our state. No one thinks there was anything good about slavery but the civil war was a big part of this states history and should not be ignored.
I am ashamed to live in Virginia right now. When will we stop fighting the war of 1861? Slavery was wrong then and it is wrong today. This man is not fit to govern.
As a "white" American, I am wondering why there are no "whites" on the networks showing the irresponsibility of the governor's remarks. He is living in the sad past and his apology is weak at its best.
People are going to regret that they ever elected McDonnel as governor of Virginia. His legacy will end up much like Governor Gilmore. Gilmore was one of the worse to hold the office of governor for the state of Virginia.
Talk about revisionist history! Richmond, VA was the capital of the Confederacy – how do you recognize the Confederacy without mentioning slavery?
I'd say the biggest misstep is Virginia elected Bob McDonnell governor ....
I don't understand what is wrong with these people. How can you ever leave off slavery. I think that he is a racist and God will reveal who he really is. I can't believe that people don't see anything wrong with this guy. I live in Maryland and this should be a wake up call for everybody to get out and vote. Where were you guys when he was elected, I know Craig Deeds had a chance if you all would have gotten up off your behinds and voted. Do the right thing next time and vote.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is a heritage organization with a vast knowledge of the war for independence. I am a member and I can tell you that I have never met a man or woman associated with the UDC or the SCV that thinks slavery was ok , but don't blame the south on what was started way before the southern states were in existance. Cambell Brown ask how long are we going to have these arguments about the confederacy , the answer is until the true history of the south is told and our ancestors get the respect they deserved.
If this is the way Marsh feels then he needs to work to repeal Black History Month. Why does one group get to have a history month but another doesn't? That's what I thought we fought to end in this country! Let's face it, as long as we continue to talk black and white we will NEVER make progress......
Henry Marsh is a 75-year-old blithering boob who was so concerned about the rules of the legislature this past session that he formed a separate committee specifically so he could reject four pro-gun bills. Couldn't put them through the regular governmental process; no, this guy flaunted his power to kill bills that polls showed 70 percent of Virginians wanted passed.
We don't care if you won't accept the apology, you wasted old fart.
What is the big shocker? Conservatives are racaists. Duh. It is why when Democrats gave up racism as and became the party of civil rights and equality before the law former southern conservatives fled the party to form the backbone of todays conservative racist tea bagging republicons. We should all thank mcdonald for reminding us what we get if we are dumb enough to vote republicon. And christie in NJ is also giving us some harsh reminders as well, as he seeks to destroy the state's system of public school s and universities. Friends don't let friends vote republicon.
Get over it already.
Everytime a white person says or doesn't say something they are a raceist.
People make mistakes but it doesn't seem good enough to apologize.
I am tired of have people call my race a raceist when all that seems to do is to stir up the pot.
I kone there are still raceist out there but it's on all sides.
Who cares if Marsh is upset. He's just some unknown state lawmaker trying to make a national name for himself over nothing. The Civil War happened, Virginia fought on the side of the South, it's part of the state's history so get over it and yourself Marsh, nobody cares what you think or are offended by.
get rid of black history month and confederate month.
I agree....apology shouldn't be accepted. Do you really think he is sincere in his apology? Does anyone really believe that this "celebration of Confederate History Month" was intended to include an acknowledgment of slavery? Give me a break. This was no oversight.
Govenor McDonnell sent enough of a message to his base by making this proclamation in the first place. The message would have just as clear had he included a wink and a reference to slavery.
The apology implies another wink to his base with a condescending, "oh, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, honey. I wouldn't do that for anything!"
Nobody can deliver that line as well as a Southern Caucasian lady of a certain age.
Is this Governor for real??? And are you sure he is not from Idaho
???
Well, like the man said..'because this is a pattern of this governor'. We knew what this man was about. We knew this man plays the political game. We knew this man would lead Virginia backwards. For those that voted for him, they turned a blind eye; they are seeing him now for his true beliefs..shame on them, shame on him. I sincerely hope the young citizens of this state will begin to hear and see what this governor is really about and when the time comes to vote again, correct the course that we are now on.
You know what the Confederacy is no more the Federal government is still here, so why are we celebrating a former enemy of the United States should we have Nazi history month and British history month, this is America not the Confederacy. unbelievable
I am so sick of political correctness. So this governor did not put the proper language in for this month. BIG DEAL!! Get over it. Marsh, get the chip off of your shoulder. Not everyone is a racist including those who are republicans out there. Everyone needs to grow up and drop this never ending whining.
The sad thing is the race card is so over-played that it muddies the water when there is a need for legitimate dialogue. The Left has tried to highjack race for their political agenda and rather than help, it works to impede the country from moving forward more effectively.
Confederate flag means the same as Nazi flag: a nation's foundation on genocide.
Why is it that we white people always leave it to black people to challenge public officials who do stupid things like this? This is an affront to every American.
I am a very proud white southerner, but believe me the Civil War was all about rebellion against the United States and slavery. Sorry Governor Bob, I won't be dancing in the streets during your Confederate History Month.
If anyone's courage and honor should be commemorated, it is that of African Americans who were slaves ... and their many living descendants who still put up with this insulting crap.
The Gov. was not on his knees begging for forgiveness. Does he not understand that he offended a black man. That is unforgiveable in the US today.
.
I can't remember ever hearing a black politician apologize for anything. This could be explained by a generally lower moral sense, but there's also a gut realization among non-whites, which seems to escape most whites, that apologizing makes one look weak. If you're backed into a corner, then use some other word, "regret" or "saddened" or whatnot, but never, ever apologize.
Really, if you're going to say something that anyone with half a brain can predict will generate "outrage," only to prostrate yourself afterward, you'll not only look spineless, but stupid as well.
Now Marsh know how a lot of Americans feel about Obama. If you take his statements and replace the name McDonnell with the name Obama, it is the same thing the President is doing and the description would fit perfectly.
I don't accept Marsh and he needs to go. Marsh is not really offended. He is trying to drum up trouble and votes.
Who cares whether this PC nut case accepts his apology or not?
Confederate history month? Are you serious? What's the message being sent here...that Barack Obama should be a slave instead of the President of the United States? Is this what the "conservative" movement is about...the resurgance of the Confederacy?
I agree with this lawmaker. The governor only apologized after getting a lot of flack. He need to get his head out of the Civil War days. I can understand Black History month, since black achievements WERE purposefully left out of history books. If it wasn't for Black History month, many would not have known the accomplishments of Blacks back in the pre-civil rights days. However, confederate history has been given to all of us since we started going to school.
If he wants to go back in history, add Native American Country History month because we were there before anyone else.
I am so glad that the Governor , Lt Governor and some of our congress persons are showing their true colors. Crap like this will follow them like a stinky skunk. I predict no national office for them and no running mate positions either. No one is going to touch them with a ten foot pole.
As a black man, I don't care what the Gov meant to say or if he intended to leave out a reference to slavery, we all know it existed why in the hell do I need to keep being reminded of what my late brothers and sisters went through. I mean come on this is 2010 how can we move forward if we keep bringing up the past, stop picking apart every comment or speech our elected officials make. use this energy to build up this country instead of dividing it, I challenge everyone to post and make something positive out of this non issue.
McDonnell is just another ignorant Republican hate monger trying to rouse up the morons and bigots and then trying to back pedal his way out of the obvious, Virginia should be ashamed they have elected such a scumbag as Govenor!
McDonnell should resign.
Why have a Confederate History Month at all? The time period in question is only four years (or less) of Virginia's almost 400-year history as a colony and as a state. It was merely a rebellion and the rebellion was put down. There are confederate soldiers in my family's cemeteries (both sides). They fought because they had to (conscription) and they had very little to gain for risking their lives on the battlefield. They were fighting for THE MAN. It's time to let the wounds totally heal and let those events slide into ancient history.
Still waiting for the post-racial era to begin...
Apparently, Donna is a better woman than I. I will not accept this lame attempt at an apology. Not mentioning slavery in Confederate History Month declaration is a bit more than an "omission".
Governor: Slavery omission 'a mistake'
Hell yeah it was a mistake. It was the last social issue that his party was on the right side of and he forgets to mention it. Bummer dude.
Rep.Gov mcdonnell needs to read up on his history. He wants April to be confederate history month.he just wants to omit slavery because he thinks it wasn't important.he's a moron...
Slavery was the a key economic engine of southern plantation production and the main reason the civil war was fought. To not acknowledge slavery is simply ignorant.
Donna with all due respect, that apology was insufficient. How come it's forgivable to overlook the breadth of the African-American experience in this country. I would suggest you visit the Cotton Exchange building in Winston Salem. It depicts all the contributors to the cotton industry, save one notable party...the unpaid labor, who suffered outrageous atrocities. This proclamation fails to recognize our contributions, suffering and that fact shows the smallness of the Governor of Virginia. Elections indeed do have consequences.
Who needs to apologize to who here!!!!
the Governor did not in any way "start off on the wrong foot" no Race, Creed or Religion was insulted, it is time for the Virginia Confederate History month,what kind of History is being taught now if we can't teach the next Generations on how our Nation became the Greatest Nation on earth, what have we done to History then? (We learn from it, we don't re-write it because it offends someone), Slavery came with us when our Ancestors left England, Slavery wasn't just the cause that made this country split between North and South, (do your History again.) so every time the word Confederate is heard or the Confederate Flag is see it becomes racist,don't you think its time to move on?? (its all Political between Dems,and Rep.),so where does the people come in, you know ' We the People'. wake up, slavery is over,don't keep beating our History in the ground with the Racist Crap!!!!
and I thought we all were AMERICANS.
McDonnell's pre-written statement was carefully composed and stated the Gov's true feelings. What Slavery? 500,000 human beings were property owned by Virginian slave owners. They were not considered in any way as human, they were property and in McDonnell's and other Southerners minds, they are not a reason for the Civil War. McDonnell is a Revisionist – changing history to remove the awful ownership of human beings from the Confederacy. To give any kind of honor to the Confederacy as McDonnell has done is awful and should never be done. If he truly believed what he said in his apology, he would never have made the initial statement in the 1st place!
The Republicans are busy rewriting history...
Haven't you noticed that, CNN?
Republicans: Eager to commemorate the pomp and glory of Confederate history but who somehow seem to forget the less virtuous realities of that era.
everybody is just too sensitive these days,politically correct this, politically correct that, ethnic this, ethnic that. don't call me that, don't call me that,it grow some tough skin people,get over it
First the modification of textbooks in Texas to be more conservative and now this...the more they try to erase the past the harder it will bite them back.
After Mark Warner and Tim Kaine McDonnell is a breath of fresh air. who cares about some proclamation on the confederacy. Only racists on the Liberal Socialist side do. See them come out of the woodwork at the drop of a hat. Where's al sharpton and jessie jackson?
If history serves me correctly, the South that represented the confederacy and its divisive policies and lifestyles lost the war. Is it amazing that it was a Republican president that understood to build a more perfect union, it will take “all” citizenry of the United States of America. Here is a Republican Governor that hopes the mentality of the south will rise again and spread throughout the south and the country. Bob McDonnell needs to wake up and check out the diversity and demographics of our great inclusive country.
This is a guy Michael Steele is happy he got into office over Terry McAuliffe. And the GOP hoped would go far. Now, like Scott Brown, and George Allen, he backfired and took the republicans with him.
Whats new, they say things like that and later apologize. The message is being delivered to the people you are trying to reach. We have an idiot like that in Georgia too named Sonny Purdue. They are also Southern governors and they all think like id.......ts.
Who cares? It's tedious. Apologizing for crap that happened over a hundred years ago? Who cares what some low level politician like Marsh thinks about anything. I'm offended some of my ancestors died fighting for the North to free the slaves and I'm supposed to pay reparations. Knuckle headed moochers.
yea,yea,yea, blah,blah,blah, sorry,sorry,sorry, sorry I said it out loud, not sorry I meant it.
Anyone still doubtful that a large part of the opposition to President Obama is racially motivated? If these Republican leader had solid genuine arguments against his policies, would they need to revert to this brand of race baiting? It is now up to all right minded Americans to stand up against these racists, for the good of our nation. and end the GOP once and for all!
It goes totally in line with his thesis earlier that "working women and homosexuals" were destroying the family, if not the world. He's just showing his true colors, pardon the pun, which are lily white and bigoted.
Oh, but Gov. Bob McDonnell did mention slavery. He said it was inconsequential to the confederate holiday and dismissed it.
You know, slavery wasn't any big deal basking in the honorable light of the confederate flag. (extreme sarcasm intended)
oh Lord, where's al, should be showing up any minute.
He only apologized because an apology made sense as a political calculation. To celebrate the month for the confederacy with no reference to slavery is what is in his heart. He decided to so celebrate the month. He made an intentional decision to not include any reference to the horrors of slavery. When first asked about it, he defended this decision because slavery was not "significant." It is offensive in this day and age to celebrate the Confederacy at all.
I agree apology not accepted!!! African Americans have shed blood for this country too!!! Willingly and unwillingly!!! Its a sad day in America when African-Americans serving this country in all American wars are disrepected this way...the Gov ought to step down!
LOL... you Dems are really trying too hard now
So according to Mr. Marsh, the governor hasn't lived up to his promise to unite Virginia. Should we expect him to be equally harsh on President Obama, who also ran on a campaign of "unifying" our country, but who has instead divided it?
It is a disgrace that CNN is firing up the divide between the races instead of trying to bring unity. We do not need more division in this country by bringing up the hurts and divisions of the past and this kind of interviews by Anderson Cooper just hurts the whole country. What a shame!!!!!.
He is only sorry because it caused so much trouble for him, even earlier in the day he was still defending it. He knew exactly what the proclamation said, and didn't say- not an honest omission, in my opinion. Another example of how a republican's actions speak louder than all they words they say about having a big tent that welcomes all people. By the way- I'm a white male, born and raised in the south, and I think this was very stupid and an attempt to downplay the true ugly history of the civil war and its causes.
Go Bob McDonnell! we must all learn to forgive. thanks mr. gov for apologizing.
Back a while, I heard so many apolozies from Law Makers. How come just say bad thinks then asking forgive? Does Law Makers think we (people) are children?
Well here is a surprise....a good ole' white Christian boy from the South omitting slavery...
Please spare me, if it walks like a duck....
Virginia State Sen. Henry Marsh III is another example of a true racist projecting his own traits onto another individual.
Governor McDonnell's Apology Is Total Disrespectful And Insincere! His Move To Pull Such A Stunt Was Blatent And Calculated! In My Opinion, The Only Thing He Is Sorry About Is That He's Now Caught In The Crossfire Of His Political Games.
sorry but slavery in the u.s.has been so long ago..
no one alive today was in slavery in the u.s.
maybe we should have indian history month...
the civil war wasnt just about slavery
and yes the north did distroy the south
and blacks were not tortured or killed during the war
as they are in there own continent today
to me i cant believe any black person would try to play this
game ater all these years.. besides the british were mostly responsible of bringing the black community to the u.s.
who over in africa gave them up i
i dont agree with slavery at all .. but what about the slavery going on today.. help a brother out.. quit winning.!!
How many more generations of white people are going to have to apologize to black people for the fact that their great-great grandparents were slaves. My family came from Europe just a few generations ago and never owned slaves, never condoned slavery, never supported slavery in any way, and in fact worked for better lives for former slaves and their offspring. Do I apologize just because I'm whitte-that's not something I had any choice in. I feel badly for the 'offended' lawmaker. His refusal to accept an apology is only hurting himself and keeps the anger alive. His acceptance of the apology doesn't mean that what the governor said is somehow forgotten or okay. It just means that the lawmaker can sleep at night without the anger and bitterness he has now.
Accept the apology and stop being such a giant baby.
There was certainly no mistake.The governor surely isn't claiming that his omission was a quirk of memory. He clearly let people know the first time what he really thinks. It was a carefully calculated publication directed at his natural constituency. The revision is utterly meaningless and one can only hope it is as transparently meaningless to the decent citizens of the republic as it is to the racists at whom the governor is winking.
Virginia voters who aren't racists and bigots and who voted for this creep should be ashamed of themselves.
Yet another tea partier that staples the fact that they are born idiots!!
Mr. Henry Marsh is right. The Governor's pattern of shoot first and apologize later is quite disturbing. So far the Governor's actions have only helped to embolden only those that seek to divide Virginia. Let us see leadership in unity.
Virginia celebrating the Confederacy...how absurd?!? That's like Germany celebrating the Nazis. I guess it makes sense that the Confederate History month started off with April Fools' day. Good going Governor.
When did Virginia abolish Slavery?
IF true, they just might have a chance of getting into the 19th. Century!
Slavey was abolished over 140 years ago. GET OVER IT.
Slavery ended a long time ago. Yes, the Confederacy was partly created due to slavery, but there was a lot more going on between the North and South that caused the South to cecede than just slavery. If people would educate themselves completely in subject before spouting off accusations of racism, then perhaps they wouldn't look so foolish.
Typical... democrats can say stuff like this all day long and CNN doesn't mention a word. One republican says something related, CNN takes it out of context and all the liberals cry "racist"! It's a classic example of liberal hypocrisy.
Are we supposed to think that McDonnell just "forgot" that slavery was an issue in the Civil War?? Does he think we're idiots??
What a load of nonsense. If he thinks the governor is a racist come out and say it. If not, stop trying to politically profit from something so ridiculous as this.
False anger at stuff like this dilutes the perfectly legitimate anger that should be directed at real racism.
Hard to believe that the Governor of any state would forget slavery . And a southern state. Give me a break. This is repo selective memory at work again.
In April 1865, Lee unconditionally surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House, thus extinguishing the unlawful and traitorous Confederacy once and for all.
The Confederacy and its slave institutions were insults to our nation.
How can anyone ever consider honoring it?
Do we honor the Whiskey Rebellion participants that our 1st president George Washington himself defeated and had the rebellious traitors hanged? Then why does this Virginia governor want to honor these other traitors. Was Lincoln any less a great president than Washington?
A true patriot and American would have declared April to be a celebration of our country and its victory of overcoming the traitorous and unlawful attempted succession and elimination of the inhumanity of slavery in our country once and for all. Instead, this governor honors the traitors.
I think people (both black and white) need to accept that slavery was Constitutionally legal at the time of the Civil War. To study the Civil War and the Confederacy and cherry-picking how the history should be studied and remembered does the current and future generations a huge disservice.
Slavery was morally wrong but legal. Indian relocation was morally wrong but legal. Limiting who can and can't vote was morally wrong but legal. We don't have to keep apologizing each and every time when these topics or topics that have ties to these come up.
What is happening among black people today. We delight in dissing each other, killing each other and not supporting one another. In the meantime we allow this racist proclamation to be made in a state trying to whitewash history. The last I checked there were almost 2 million black people in Virginia. The fact that this governor has the gall to do this action suggest that he thought he could get away with it. He could never have gotten away with declaring Nazi history month (although the jewish people whom I respect dearly make up a much smaller portion of the Virginia population than black people) or apartheid month but he gets away with this outrage. Where are the black people of Virginia to protest, March on the Virginia capital or do what is necessary to reverse this abominable proclamation. Do many of the black people of Virginia even know what the confederacy entailed. The black youth should look at us black adults with shame for allowing this.
In the year 2010 I can not for the life of me believe that any
state whether northern or southern should commemorate the
racist ideology of the Confederate government. By the way
how does Douglas Wilder support such a racist event.
How does Fox responds to the observance of the Confederate
month.
Those African Americans supporting this governor needs to
read an American History Book.
2 little, 2 late, Guv. Reflects typical white Republicans' attitude.
The governor knew he was in trouble with lots of groups and had to amend his stand. Another case where a governor did not consult anyone before he made this rash pronouncement.
I would not be quick to accept his apology either. He stepped on lots of toes and pushed an agenda on the schools without thinking about the consequences.
That being said I am not the list bit surprised that he wants confederate history taught.
Gee, I wonder what else in Virginia's history the Governor failed to mention in his proclamation? I'm offended that he didn't mention all those who gave their life serving in the military during all the wars this country was involved in. I'm offended he didn't mention my attendance at a professional military education school in Norfolk in 1972 and my contribution to Virginia at that time. You know, nobody offends a person - tht person allows themselves to be offended. Get over it Congressman - your being offended and the slavery issue - no generation alive had anything to do with it.
of course not accept .What is goign on .Who they are to accept appologize.They are not God .God is the only one to decide.Move on
This was no mistake! This governor is an inconsiderate, racist pig!!
I am so sick and tired of "politics"....If the governor was a Democrat... Marsh would have gladly accepted the apology.
This is no more than Democrats vs. Republicans.....and the citizens of the United States are caught in the cross fire.
We talk more of slavery and racism than we do of our Founding Fathers.....and the Contitution of the United States that protects us ALL... regardless of color.
Maybe we should demand our politicans to focus on the actual issues of the day....and lay to rest the actions of the past along side the bodies of those long dead who actually committed the acts.
Of course no one wants to accept it. It's called political ammunition. Though I would wager, that those same individuals would want others to forgive their transgression! Get a life people!
He's a racist, bigot and should be impeached.
Racist is very hard to hide and the GOP are really having a hard time hiding their racist views. I don't want his aplogy. It is too late!
Confederate History Month has been celebrated for many years in many southern states. It is not to commemorate one person or one event but to remember all those that died and fought or were caught up in the bloody war that took place on American soil between 1861 and 1865. This war is called by many names because we as a people cannot even give it a name without arguments. It was not about any one particular cause. There were many differences that caused that war, slavery was only one of many causes. All the events can be divided into socioeconomics or cultural differences. It is about History and the month of April saw the beginning and end of the war so it is appropriate that April be named Confederate History Month. It is about history and people may not find all of history pleasing but it is history and this was part of the history of our nation. He who does not know history, has no history.
As a Virginian I accept his apology, if you're not from Virginia then your opinion doesn't matter. Go sit in the corner and color.
Perhaps instead of fighting our Governors proclamation, we should take this opportunity to really engage in a deep and abiding conversation about the institution of slavery that in so many ways still divides our country today. History books, not so unintentionally, skirt around the conversation giving mostly cursory attention. Perhaps this is an opportunity to expose the really ugly truth that we try to avoid.
How sad that confederate sympathizers have a need to look at this American history and omit their greatest offense. Their greatest offense being breaking up families & lack of human decency in exchange for their quest of free labor.
Welcome to the Republican party.
Of course Mr. Henry Marsh III, a Democrat, was unwilling to accept Governor McDonnell's apology. What, you expect a Democrat to forgive a Republican? However, what did Marsh have to say about Senator Reid's remark on President Obama's "no discernible negro accent" quip? Nothing, of course, since Reid is a Democrat and we all know that no Democrat is a racist. No African-American is, either, but that might be the subject for another day.
Why not the war between the states? Hum! seems like he is playing to a certain audience. This is sad and scary. The south just keeps going backward.
I'm from West Virginia And all I can say is shame on you Virginia. my favorite president is Lincoln. we all have rights. I believe today what Lincoln believed all those years. I believe the way Dr. King believed. these are two Great Men in the USA and there more.
as I said I'm from West Virginia. so please pray for our miners. my son is a coal miner.
Thank you
Confederate history, the confederacy, and the secession had zilch to do with slavery. Fools. Confederate secession from the United States centralized puppet gov't was the declaration to make state governments all powerful. A declaration of each states right to "self-determinate." Do you think a whole lot of rich white aristocrats (the only owner of slaves no matter how you slice it) would have printed their own money off, had standing militias all for the sake of maintaining a few of their slaves? A nice thought, but black slavery is a red herring for the takeover of government control from the states as much as the Troubled Asset Relief Plan (TARP) is a red herring for the corporate takeover of our current government. You want a sincere apology? Here: "I'm sorry you band of fools were elected to serve in government where the clearly inept are safe."
Come on now. What does this African-American Virginia lawmaker expect from a governor representing the party of the wealthy and from of a southern state that only sees history the way they want to tell it.
Too little too late, Gov. I mean, really, how can you possibly make any reference to the Confederacy or confederate history and not mention anything to do with the terrible crime of slavery that played such a central role in the Civil War? By making the statements you made yesterday you can only be playing to your white, racist base or you are simply stupid.
Let's not forget that the governor seemed to go out of his way to amend antidiscrimination laws in Virginia to exclude gays, making it legal for gays to be fired for no other reason than their sexual orientation. his tone might appear moderate, but he is behaving like a bigot.
So the gov thinks slavery was terrible? Then why is he so dead set on honoring those who fought for slavery and tried to tear apart our country in order to preserve it? He's just another southerner still sad that the North won the war.
I love how when a guy tries to avoid discussing slavery and target the positives instead he gets hammered. Governor clearly was trying to avoid bringing up slavery and instead discussing the less controversial topics of Dixie month. He apologizes and take it at that. Lets drop the politics and give the guy a break. I am sure he doesn't feel slavery was acceptable. I don't know any rational thinking person, liberal or conservative that believes slavery is or was at any time in history remotely good. With that said anyone who has studied the Civil War understands the North make critical errors when it came to dealing with the South and the South had a lot of reason to leave the Union. Slavery was just the hot button topic.
I am not from Virginia, African American, nor vote Republican but It seems to me that the Governor's apology and statement said what needed to be said clearly and with conviction. Any more discussion about any omissions will not assist in the long healing process to put slavery behind us. I often wonder if the topic is intentionally surfaced for political reason. I'm from Chicago, I know about these things.
dh
Give up the whole slavery schtick. It was 150 years ago. Any slave owners are now dead. Let it rest and it will not plague our nation anymore.
Maybe he should apologize to gay people now....and women...
This and other issues is becoming a sad trend for the Republican party. Do they really want to be known as "bigots."
Mr. Marsh should not hold his breath....
Do you think the Governor and his team left it out by accident?
No one wants to open another pandora's box on this topic.
Let it go...
it's not actually about accepting, or not accepting his apology.. what people need to realize, is the republican party is about the haves and have-nots.. it is a party that waxes nostalgic for a day when wealthy white people could do whatever they wanted to.. the republican party likes only 2 colors, white people and green money..
Some people are just standing around looking for a reason to be offended. And sooner or later they will find one.
The only thing I find surprising about this story is that a Democratic law maker is accusing a Republican of being non inclusive. HELLO, what just happened with health care and the recess appointment of Becker to the labor board? Talk about being non inclusive. Obama is the king of non inclusive.
And last time I checked none of the white folks alive today are/were slave owners. Why should we be expected to continue to apologize for something done by whites 150 years ago? I wasn’t there, I wasn’t a slave owner and it’s not my fault it happened. Get over your culture of being victims.
So we can have Black history month. Can we have a Confederate history month without the black population pitching hissy fits? We seem to forget that slavery was only one of many issues of the Confederacy and its rebellion.
It certainly didn't take long for Gov. McDonnell to have his
"Macaca" moment...for which we, the opposition, are most
grateful. Had no idea we would have so much material already
piling up as we await his next foray into elec ted office.
It is humorous that the conservative politicians who pander to the extremist right-wing lunatic fringe are finally, albeit too late, getting a horrible feeling that they have gone too far.
Remember the look on Wile E. Coyote's face when he runs off the edge and realizes he is standing on thin air?
Meet the new face of the Republican Party.
I am so sick of people being unwilling to accept an apology. Whatever happened to the "he who is without sin... let him cast the first stone" saying?
thats some crap. what is there to be proud the confederate to giv e thim a month of glory. they where traders and they believed is slavery. and thats what they where fighting for, the right to have slaves. how are you going to have a full month of gorifying that.
Forget the dam race card he wanted to just make a state ment about the flag stop makeing this a race issue