http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110221/ap_on_re_us/us_the_blackest_name


The well-written article is about people named "Washington", most of whom are black.

Even so, I found these paragraphs especially instructive on this day, of all days:
"Washington was leading this schizoid life," Chernow said in the interview. "In theory and on paper he was opposed to slavery, but he was still zealously tracking and seeking to recover his slaves who escaped."

In his final years on his Mount Vernon plantation, Washington said that "nothing but the rooting out of slavery can perpetuate the existence of our union."

This led to extraordinary instructions in his will that all 124 of his slaves should be freed after the death of his wife. The only exception was the slave who was at his side for the entire Revolutionary War, who was freed immediately. Washington also ordered that the younger black people be educated or taught a trade, and he provided a fund to care for the sick or aged.

"This is a man who travels an immense distance," Chernow said.

Isn't it amazing to really study these early leaders of our country and realize they were men like us, with clay feet and everything?! History and sentiment tends to make them larger than life. It's good to realize that they, like us had struggles with their ideals, beliefs, and the time and culture in which they lived.

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
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2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
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We can hope to recognize our own weaknesses, and then overcome them. A struggle with no end but the cold, cold ground.

I really enjoyed that article. I did not know that Washington freed all his slaves. I am motivated to get a book about him and read it.

I found the statement by the geneologist that it must be a coincidence that so many Black folks have the name Washington was laughable. It seems clear to me that it is a tribute to the first prominent man who freed his slaves.

Thanks for posting that article, B.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.