[patriot preacher]

Glenn Beck’s purpose tonight was to inform about African-American history in the founding and formative years of our Republic. It is indeed a topic which is OFTEN underplayed because it suits the purpose of the powers that be.

HOWEVER, sometimes, Beck, in his zeal to present his particular case, runs roughshod over some facts and totally MISSES or misrepresents others. Such is apparently the case with his reference to the Confederate Constitution tonight (I have DVR’ed tonights Founders program, but haven’t viewed it yet).

It is worth NOTING then, that the Confederate States Constitution was indeed almost IDENTICAL to the United States Constitution, with only about a half dozen changes that strengthened States rights, altered the presidential term of service to ONE of 6 years (sounds like a GREAT idea to me), and protected private property rights more strongly. “Slavery” was indeed ONLY mentioned only ONCE in the CSA Constitution — and the importation of new slaves from foreign lands was expressly forbidden — that was MOSTLY because the importation of slaves was primarily an industry run by NORTHERN or foreign shipping corporations well into the 1800’s.

I don’t think Mr. Beck can be condemned for his zeal. I rather like and an THANKFUL for his work overall. But when he makes an error of this nature, he should be challenged on it. To appeal to African-Americans and their rightful and important place in AMerican history does NOT mean that the South, the Confederacy and EVERY principle for which they stood should be condemned. And Beck knows better than that, if he’ll think about it...

So everyone take a deep breath — some of us who ARE responsible and knowledgable Southern Historians will just have to get in touch with Glenn and “educate” him further about his errant statements....

[central_va]

I don’t think Mr. Beck can be condemned for his zeal. I rather like and an THANKFUL for his work overall. But when he makes an error of this nature, he should be challenged on it.

I agree, hence this thread.

[Sherman Logan]

the importation of slaves was primarily an industry run by NORTHERN or foreign shipping corporations well into the 1800’s.

Do you consider 1807 "well into the 1800s?"

That's when the last slave was legally imported into the USA, with the trade thereafter classified as piracy. Although we unfortunately had to wait till the reign of the Illinois Butcher to hang one of the pirates.

The Constitution protected slave importation until 1808, and Congress duly passed a law that prohibited it on and after January 1 of that year.