Posted on 12/17/2013 12:47:34 PM PST by South40
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A time to mend the divide; a sentiment that was met with a standing ovation.
The Duval County School Board voted unanimously to remove the name of a Confederate general from a Westside high school. School leaders called it a move for progress.
(Excerpt) Read more at actionnewsjax.com ...
I can understand why they would rename the school.
On the other hand, the historical man was more interesting than the average newsie will ever be able to explain.
I knew someone would ping him
In 1875, Forrest demonstrated that his personal sentiments on the issue of race now differed from that of the Klan, when he was invited to give a speech before an organization of black Southerners advocating racial reconciliation, called the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association. At this, his last public appearance, he made what the New York Times described as a "friendly speech"[10] during which, when offered a bouquet of flowers by a black woman, he accepted them as a token of reconciliation between the races and espoused a radically progressive (for the time) agenda of equality and harmony between black and white Americans.[54] His speech was as follows:
"Ladies and Gentlemen I accept the flowers as a memento of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the southern states. I accept it more particularly as it comes from a colored lady, for if there is any one on God's earth who loves the ladies I believe it is myself. ( Immense applause and laughter.) This day is a day that is proud to me, having occupied the position that I did for the past twelve years, and been misunderstood by your race. This is the first opportunity I have had during that time to say that I am your friend. I am here a representative of the southern people, one more slandered and maligned than any man in the nation.
I will say to you and to the colored race that men who bore arms and followed the flag of the Confederacy are, with very few exceptions, your friends. I have an opportunity of saying what I have always felt - that I am your friend, for my interests are your interests, and your interests are my interests. We were born on the same soil, breathe the same air, and live in the same land. Why, then, can we not live as brothers? I will say that when the war broke out I felt it my duty to stand by my people. When the time came I did the best I could, and I don't believe I flickered. I came here with the jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe that I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to bring about peace. It has always been my motto to elevate every man- to depress none. (Applause.) I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going.
I have not said anything about politics today. I don't propose to say anything about politics. You have a right to elect whom you please; vote for the man you think best, and I think, when that is done, that you and I are freemen. Do as you consider right and honest in electing men for office. I did not come here to make you a long speech, although invited to do so by you. I am not much of a speaker, and my business prevented me from preparing myself. I came to meet you as friends, and welcome you to the white people. I want you to come nearer to us. When I can serve you I will do so.
We have but one flag, one country; let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment. Use your best judgement in selecting men for office and vote as you think right.
Many things have been said about me which are wrong, and which white and black persons here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. I have been in the heat of battle when colored men, asked me to protect them. I have placed myself between them and the bullets of my men, and told them they should be kept unharmed. Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I'll come to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you have afforded me to be with you, and to assure you that I am with you in heart and in hand." (Prolonged applause.
A little robitusin and were all set for “high” skrool.
BTW, I thoroughly detested Byrd and I feel like taking a bath after defending him.
lol
revisionists live everywhere…..
And you should. LOL! Defending the indefensible is hard work.
Never thought otherwise. My point is that Byrd was no better than Forrest, regardless of the fact that he "apologized" and hadn't been a KKK member for 60 years.
The hypocrisy of the left is on display here. I realize these are different districts in different states. But if there is sufficient reason to remove Forrest's name from a school there is equally sufficient reason to remove Byrd's.
I recall once Rush Limbaugh read a list of stuff in Iraq that was named after Saddam Hussein, followed by a list of stuff in West Virginia that was named after Robert C. Byrd.
The Robert C. Byrd list was three times as long.
Thanks for posting this. I was under the impression that Forrest was born again late in his life and saw the error of his previous racist views. If so, he missed a chance to say this in the speech you posted.
Don’t get me wrong. I think the decision to change the name is stupid and is based on ignorance, political correctness, and possibly cowardice.
The Barak Obama School for the Chooming Sodomizers.
Study some history, folks...The “KKK” began at Pulaski, TN. in a small college and was started (and joined by Forrest) as a club to clandestinely punish cheaters and slobs at the college...When it morphed into a radical organization, Forrest left it as did the students...it was taken over by southerners who used it to fight against “Northern carpetbaggers” who were taking advantage of the defeated southerners because the law sided with the northerners.
It then later “morphed” into the “racist” organization long after Forrest left.
This is a quote from Forrest: I have been in the heat of battle when colored men, asked me to protect them. I have placed myself between them and the bullets of my men, and told them they should be kept unharmed.
And, of course, this is a quote from Byrd: I shall never fight in the armed forces with a Negro by my side... Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds.
But Forrest had not "seen the error of his ways".
Facts don’t seem to matter to some. But thanks for your contribution. :-)
Exactly. You can bet these school board morons are trying to be the first to jump aboard the “Name Your School After Nellie Mandela” bandwagon. It makes an American want to puke.
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