"Watch Night marks 150-year-old tradition; Recalls Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation" by Brett Zongker |
Associated Press, December 30, 2012
WASHINGTON — As New Year’s Day approached 150 years ago, all eyes
were on President Abraham Lincoln in expectation of what he warned 100
days earlier would be coming — his final proclamation declaring all
slaves in states rebelling against the Union to be ‘‘forever free.’’
A tradition began Dec. 31, 1862, as many black churches held Watch
Night services, awaiting word that Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation
would take effect amid a bloody Civil War. Later, congregations listened
as the president’s historic words were read aloud.
The proclamation would not end slavery outright and at the time
couldn’t be enforced by Lincoln in areas under Confederate control. But
the president made clear from that day forward that his forces would be
fighting to bring the Union back together without the institution of
slavery.
I'm not saying it was wrong to remove that stain from the American soul (even though it flies in the face of the political narrative of this country); however, one most also realize that the it was NOT the reason the war was started (fact is, access to cheap cotton for northern textile mills was) as is often taught in AmeriKan schools.
It was only added after, and where have we seen that before, Americans? Anyone for turning WMDs into freedom and democracy? Again, I'm not saying ending the the abhorrent institution of slavery was wrong; what I am saying is you are never told the whole story.
Lincoln issued his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in September
1862, after the Battle of Antietam, announcing that if rebel states did
not cease fighting and rejoin the Union by Jan. 1, 1863, all slaves in
rebellious states or parts of states would be declared free from that
date forward.
This year, the Watch Night tradition will follow the historic
document to its home at the National Archives with a special midnight
display planned with readings, songs, and bell ringing among the
nation’s founding documents.
The official document bears Lincoln’s signature and the United
States seal, setting it apart from copies and drafts. It will make a
rare public appearance from Sunday to Tuesday — New Year’s Day — for
thousands of visitors to mark its anniversary. On New Year’s Eve, the
display will remain open past midnight as 2013 arrives.
‘‘We will be calling back to an old tradition,’’ said US Archivist
David Ferriero, noting the proclamation’s legacy. ‘‘When you see
thousands of people waiting in line in the dark and cold . . . we know
that they’re not there just for words on paper.
‘‘On this 150th anniversary, we recall those who struggled with
slavery in this country, the hope that sustained them, and the
inspiration the Emancipation Proclamation has given to those who seek
justice.’’
The National Archives allows 100 visitors at a time into its rotunda,
where the Emancipation Proclamation will be displayed along with the
Constitution and Declaration of Independence. On the busiest days, 8,000
people file through for a glimpse of the founding charters.
Performances and reenactments are scheduled to continue throughout New
Year’s Day. The US Postal Service will unveil a new Emancipation
Proclamation stamp as well.
Can they afford that?
Related: Postal Service misjudged ‘Simpsons’
Also see: The Globe is in the Mail
And the service is already slow enough.
This special display is just one of many commemorations planned in
Washington and in churches nationwide to mark the anniversary of
Lincoln’s actions to end slavery and end the Civil War....
History lovers say this is a chance to remember what the Emancipation Proclamation actually signified.
I used to love history -- until I was taught mostly distortions, obfuscations, and lies.
Lincoln wrote in part: ‘‘I do order and declare that all persons held
as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and
henceforward, shall be free.’’
He went on to say the military would recognize the freedom of slaves,
that freed slaves should avoid violence, and that freed slaves could
enlist in the US armed forces.
It did not immediately free a single slave, though, because Lincoln
didn’t have the power to enforce the declaration in the Confederacy.
Still, many slaves had already been freeing themselves, and the document
gave them protection, said Reginald Washington, an archivist of
African-American history at the National Archives.
‘‘It was a first, important step in paving the way for the
abolishment of slavery with the ratification of the 13th Amendment,’’ he
said.
It also brought ‘‘a fundamental change in the character of the war,’’
Washington said. ‘‘With the stroke of Lincoln’s pen, a war to preserve
the union had overnight become a war of human liberation.’’
Because the war was going badly at that point and had gone on a lot longer than thought (sound familiar?). There were also draft riots, and Lincoln needed a cause to rally a war-weary North that really didn't give a damn if the South seceded.
Maybe it was true then; however, the idea of wars for human liberation now conjure up all sorts of horrible thoughts and feelings of abuse at the hands of propaganda organs and agenda-pushing politicians.
The proclamation became a symbol of hope for nearly 4 million slaves
and a confirmation that the war should be fought to secure their
freedom, said Washington, who is retiring from the Archives after nearly
40 years. Some historians and scholars have come to view the
proclamation as one of the most important documents in US history.
Another war for freedom. And it took them how long to get the vote after Northern troops stopped occupying the South after 10 years? They called it Reconstruction in my state-sanctioned school history books.
The final proclamation has been rarely shown because it was badly
damaged decades ago by long exposure to light. After it was signed at
the White House, it was kept at the State Department for many years with
other presidential proclamations. In 1936, it was transferred to the
National Archives.
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Related: Emancipation Proclamation now on display
The Lies of Lincoln
Taught in school.
Also see: Watch collector’s find brings a Lincolnesque journey
Abraham Lincoln's Autopsy Found in National Archives
Sunday Globe Special: The Lincoln Lush
I didn't know Lincoln was an alcoholic, nor president for that matter. I thought he was a vampire killer.
"Spielberg marks Gettysburg anniversary" by Mark Scolforo |
Associated Press, November 20, 2012
GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Director Steven Spielberg spent seven years working on his new movie
‘‘Lincoln.’’
Haven't seen it, don't plan to. I'm tired of the Spielberg spin on history given the roots of that particular issue, and the fact that I never forget.
Carl Sandberg, in his biography of Lincoln, described it as a speech about how democracy is worth fighting for.
Spielberg spoke Monday of the interplay between history and memory, and between memory and justice.
‘‘It’s the hunger we feel for coherence, it’s the hunger we feel for progress for a better world,’’ he said.
‘‘I think justice and memory are inseparable.’’
The crowd gave him a standing ovation.
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