Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation recognizing April 2010 as Confederate History Month. The proclamation does not use the word, and says nothing about, slavery as it declares that "this defining chapter in Virginia's history should not be forgotten, but instead should be studied, understood and remembered by all Virginians . . ."
McDonnell's action has been duly criticized as "bringing back ideas and symbols that many Americans--including many Southerners--find offensive and divisive. It could derail efforts to win favor among Democrats, not to mention Southern blacks, and it could drive a cultural wedge into the Republican Party as it looks for ways to win in November."
Update: Governor McDonnell has apologized for not mentioning slavery in the Confederate History Month proclamation. "The failure to include any reference to slavery was a mistake, and for that I apologize to any fellow Virginian who has ben offended or disappointed."
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