In today’s News and Messenger, there is an article entitled “Tourism agency preps for Sesquicentennial” which made for an interesting little read. PWC chairman of the BOCS did a stand up comedy routine as content for the piece. Let’s focus on some local news. First, the article from News and Messenger:
Tourism Agency Preps for Sesquicentennial
July 21, 2011 marks the 150th anniversary, or sesquicentennial, of the Civil War’s Battle of Bull Run, and tourism officials planning commemorative events are falling heavy on the theme of peace.
“We want to have a rolling series of events, basically for five years, because this is a national celebration and a state celebration,” the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau interim director, Sharon Cavileer, told Prince William supervisors Tuesday. Plans were to follow the state’s plan for commemoration and show the extent of the Civil War’seffects from a range of perspectives—from civilian to slave to soldier, both Union and Confederate.
“In Prince William, the sesquicentennial is an American legacy of war, peace and reconciliation,” Cavileer said, adding that planned events include a speech from a Nobel peace prize winner and a Peace Jubilee at the Old Courthouse in Manassas. On top of that, the key theme or message of the sesquicentennial is a proposed: “Where the battle began and peace prevails.”
That’s fine, said Chairman Corey Stewart, R-At-large. But less peace and more realism is in order, he said.
“I think we need to work on the message. The Civil War was not about peace. It ended in peace; it had to end in peace,” he said. “If you want to have a Nobel peace prize speaker, that’s okay, I guess. For God’s sake, I hope it’s an American.”
The CVB and sesquicentennial marketing strategists should not “water down” the realities and lessons of the Civil War to the point where it’s forgotten that this was a uniquely American period that ultimately led “to the uniting of the nation so it became the power it is,” Stewart said.
Apparently the chairman objects to all this damn peace floating about and he has done his best to make sure it doesn’t happen. One glance at the chairman’s’ record will give a bird’s eye view of his distain for peace in local government. He has fanned the flames during the immigration debate, he shouted anti abortion rhetoric at a V.O.I.C.E. meeting about housing, insulted vets over joining the Coffee Party, disparaging all the other members in his sweeping generalizations, just to name a few instances where peace in PWC seems unlikely.
Stewart has stated that “less peace and more realism is in order.” Does he want to avoid mentioning Appomattox or what? Does he want to throw in another Battle of Mananas for good measure? Is he sad that Manassas didn’t have race riots during the time he was a toddler in the North Country?
Stewart goes on: “The Civil War was not about peace. It ended in peace; it had to end in peace,” Maybe they didn’t teach about Reconstruction up in Minnesota or where ever the fine gentleman is from. The Civil War not being about peace is definitely a classic. Stewart is becoming the king of understatement.
Stewart is being might particular about this Nobel Prize Winner for a speaker. He wants an American. I heard that Obama might be asked to deliver the speech. Is the President American enough or is Mr. Stewert a birther? I expect the chairman would be real happy about being chief dignitary to greet the Commander in Chief. I want to see Mr. Stewart make nice with Mr. Obama. I want to see the pain on his face. Oh the joy!
Stewart’s last quote stumped me. I have to be honest. I have no clue what he is talking about when he speaks of watering down the realities and lessons of the Civil War. Good grief! Why doesn’t Corey just get on the committee and run things to suit himself. The CVB sounds like it has everything under control. Ms. Cavileer, the interim director, was giving an overview of the main theme and a few highlights. She stated that state guidelines will be followed.
Mr. Stewart’s mouthing off to the press just goes to show us what happens when carpetbaggers come to town. He clearly has missed the point. But I thank him for his humor. He made me smile He probably wishes someone would wrestle the mic away from him every time he is tempted to speak to the press. Poor Richard, please get hold of Mr. Stewart and tell him about the Peace Jubilee at the Old Courthouse . (See highlighted area for full story.) Reassure him that much of the Civil War, especially around this area, was definitely not about peace.
Near the Peace Jubilee marker on the Old Courthouse lawn in Manassas is
a memorial to PWC men killed in WWI and also, from the more recent past,
a “Peace Pole”. Our history is rich and varied and should be looked at from
more than one viewpoint.
While I never really defend Stewart, I have to say that he is correct in some ways here. There was indeed more war than peace, even though peace prevailed. But let’s not forget how much carnage there was BEFORE that happened.
The “For God’s sake, I hope it’s an American” statement is, however, is just true Stewart. Imagine if a Hispanic was the speaker? He’d probably have a heart attack.
It is evident from many of Chairman Stewart’s gaffs that he suffers from a couple of disorders–one is Foot in Mouth Disease and the other is failure to engage his brain before he opens his mouth. The latter presumes that one has a brain to engage of course. He continues to show his insensitivity and racist attitude.
Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck–whadda ya think–a duck?
George, sounds pretty much like one to me. But what do I know.
Pinko, I am sure he will appreciate knowing he has your support. Have there been any Hispanic Nobel Peace prizes given? The most recent one comes to mind…hmmmmn…
Thanks PR. Please take this man under your most trustworthy noble, historical wing and educate him on the finer points of PWC.
Perhaps most important…why is he contradicting his own people? Isn’t CVB Prince William agency? Isn’t the interim director one a county employee? Hasn’t a new person been named to take that position from somewhere in southern PA?
It seems to me like he needs to be supporting the county agency not being the clown prince of contradiction.
O.K., so it’s the weekend; and I am feeling downright cheeky. For us Yanks that sorry affair 150 years ago was known as the “Battle of Bull Run.” But, if I am not mistaken, I think you guys have always called it “First Manassas”, not to be confused with “Second Manassas”, where we Yanks got our butts handed to us again. Does the News and Messenger use of the term “Bull Run” mean that you guys are finally giving up after all these years? This is turning out to be the longest “war” in history.
@Moon-howler
If you’re looking for a Latino Peace Prize winner, Oscar Arias, a former President of Costa Rica, was awarded the prize in 1987 for trying to settle the civil wars raging in other Central American countries.
You ask:” Have there been any Hispanic Nobel Peace prizes given?” I don’t believe there’s any such thing as an “Hispanic Nobel Peace prize”.
I meant to ask that differently. thanks, Punchak,
Wolverine, I think, being a southern paper, they refer to it as First Manassas. Theychanged hands a year or so ago. Perhaps they are no longer a southern paper and it is I who am mistaken. Good catch! I sure missed that one.
Wow, I wonder how that poor woman feels with Corey bashing her about her “began with war, ended in peace”. WHY does he always have to be so contrarion.
– First and Second MANASSAS — Southern victories!
– War Between the States or War of Northern Aggression.
– “Damned Yankees” – more than a musical.
(May want to Google – Peace Pole Project -. You can find PWC’s several yards
from the cannon on the lawn of the Old Courthouse in Manassas.)
PWC has a Peace Pole? More info please PR.
M-H, with “May Peace Prevail on Earth” written in different languages
on the sides. Assume it was erected as part of the international
Peace Pole Project. Cannons and a Peace Pole sitting close to each
other at the corner of Lee and Grant in Manassas – gotta love
PWC/Manassas history.
When was our pole erected? I guess that is how they kept the peace…… with those cannons. Peace doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Or that old adage that peace is simply a time between wars. Who said that?
Maybe you should start a Peanut Gallery list of the Virginia Hams whose actions chip away at the years of work others have done to increase tourism and welcome businesses like Northrop Grumman — and pass it on to whoever does the seating for the Peace Jubilee next July.
I had the opportunity to hear Sean Connaughton speak last Wednesday. He strikes me as someone who is both self-effacing (calls himself “the secretary of plows, potholes and potties”) and not out to grab press (rest stop PR came from the gov’s office, not his). Was he in the press a lot as BOCS chair, commenting on everything?
Cindy, will you keep the not so secret list?
Not so sure Sir Sean has that many pals either.
If I had to pick a person to sit on the throne in the place of honor, it would be Senator Colgan. For starters, he is the most senor elected official both in years and in terms. He has lived right here in Prince William County, quite humbly over on Strasburg even after he became wealthy. His children went to Prince William County Schools. Many of them still serve Prince William County. ONe has just retired from many years of county service . We all know who I am speaking of. (salute) Some have married people I’m very fond of and who I remember from my younger days. The Colgans keep on giving to the community.
Cindy – you’ve not heard the history of Chairman Sean. He won the BOCS Chair back in 1999 pledging to protect the Rural Crescent, slow development and never take money from developers. Check out http://www.vpap.org. He sold us out quickly when he decided to run for Lt. Governor. By the time he left PWC, he had written us off and was virtually ready to drive the bulldozers in conservation areas himself.
Hmmmm – is history repeating itself?
I love the blatant hypocrisy of Democrats, calling for bi-partisanship and for lowering the rhetorical decibel level and then throwing out the ubiquitous “Carpetbagger” name calling. Calling Chairman Stewart anti-peace, disparaging his expectation / frustration really that the proposed highlight of the Manassas/Prince William area sesquicentennial at least have an American Noble prize winner as the key note speaker for what is – without doubt- one of the most important – if not the most important moment in American history – the drawing of First Blood. But no – let’s take it to the next step and criticize the Chairman’s request/expectation that we also educate and, yes, honor the dedication and sacrifice – the horrors of that moment of history that began here. The hate speech directed at Chairman Stewart has nothing to do with history, the commemoration of First Manassas, the education of the next generation as to what took place here or the people involved. It has to do with political opportunism. Typical wine and brie, I know better – above you, smarter than you, more politically correct than you, limousine liberal political opportunism.
I cannot imagine anyone objecting to the theme of peace and healing proposed by the CVB, as a part of a larger effort. But that is not what Prince William or Manassas is famous for. We are known for the famous battles of First and Second Manassas (Bull Run to you Yankee Carpetbaggers (sic – talk about derisive), Kettle Run, Buckland Races, Bristow Station and for Mosby, to mention just a few of the larger engagements encountered here. Our ground runs red with patriotism and sacrifice. Where’s the beef?
The very first monument to that conflict was erected here at Manassas. Placed by the veterans who fought here, it commemorated the conflict and the brothers who died here – North and South. Let us not enter into our sesquicentennial without remembering those who fought and died here. What I believe Corey is looking for and is frustrated by is two fold; first to not fail to educate this and future generations about what were done here. And for me, I am not so naive as to believe that a speech or a cannon salute is alone sufficient to educate our young people in this time of Television and movies. And second, Corey understands the economic opportunity that this commemoration offers to our community – because it is first and recurs through out the period of the war.
One final note, I do not object to the Peace Jubilee at the Old Courthouse or its commemoration, it was after all a 50th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Fist Manassas – by those who fought here. Even then The Union and Confederate veterans fell into opposing lines on Henry House Hill, where fifty years before they had clashed in mortal combat. On a signal, the two sides approached each other, and as they met they clasped hands in friendship and reconciliation. After a picnic on the battlefield, the crowd returned to the Prince William County Courthouse to listen to a speech by President William Howard Taft. Do you think that event will educate of even encourage our young people to investigate their history? More, remember the context of what that celebration was like in 1911 with no blacks allowed.
I am who threw the carpetbagger term out. I am not a Democrat. Leave them out of this.
Perhaps Corey Stewart needs to not contradict his employee. Perhaps he needs to not be a mic hog when he doesn’t know what he is talking about.
Finally, my southern pedigree is strong enough to call anyone a carpetbagger that I so choose.
@Moon-howler
LoL !!! I agree, M-H problaly not a Democrat, you have to support the Constitution for that….. My sense was that Corey actually started to sputter he was – rightfully – so unimpressed by the level of planning offerred up – or lack of it – given the money they have. Now, shall we start the exchange of historic colloquialisms? And BTW, your southern pedigree, which we have discussed and I would otherwise honor, does not give you the right to use a lot of historic terms of derision – including calling Chairman Stewart a Carpetbagger – not in polite company anyway.
Taxpayer, you really don’t have the right to come on this blog and continue to insult me. If you have something to discuss, that is one thing. If you come to hurl insults, then basically, you aren’t contributing.
Taxpayer must work for Corey. He inferred that I had said Corey was a Carpetbagger. Hmmmm…Let’s take a look at that definition:
car·pet·bag·ger (kärpt-bgr)
n.
1. A Northerner who went to the South after the Civil War for political or financial advantage.
2. An outsider, especially a politician, who presumptuously seeks a position or success in a new locality.
Point out which part of this definition is unlike the current chairman.
Polite company? Lots of impolite company here. You don’t need to honor my pedigree. I don’t even expect you to acknowledge it. And I don’t really recall discussing it with you.
@Moon-howler
Hmm, well I spec yor right, settlin in the south don’t make ya a southernor any more than ikittens born in the oven are biscuits. But then its about what ya do not what ya toe around.
PWCT and Moon — Well, I’ll be doggoned! 40 years of living in Virginia, my kids and grandkids born, bred, and educated in this state, and I STILL don’t qualify! Your qualifying standards are unbelievable. Is there no “Pathway to Citizenship” in the Commonwealth? Instead of throwing away my carpetbag, perhaps I should have held onto it and sold it to somebody coming in from New Jersey. I mean, do you even have something like “Honorary Virginian” — sort of like an honorary doctorate? Are there any special exceptions like for the fact that one of the people in my line through marriage donated the land for Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg and another actually surveyed the land for the city of Fredericksburg, with a young fellow named G. Washington as his apprentice? I can’t help where I was born. What do I have to do here to get a break? At the least there ought to be a lapel pin that says: “For 40 years of honorable presence in the Commonwealth of Virginia….”
I never was exclusionary about it. My father and husband are both honorary Virginians. Wolverine, I expect we could accept you also.
I think people are just Yankees if they come from the north. The carpet bagger def. is posted. I don’t think you qualify. 🙄
I think that pwctp just wants to start a fight as his swan song. Pwctp, you are aware that I have the right to express my opinion about the officials in this county, aren’t you? If we are so objectionable, no one is forcing you to come here.
PWCTP,
Why do you always have to come to here just to give a hard time to M-H? Corey, as usual, just had to figure out a way to create drama where there was none. Corey seems big on “realism” and “honestly” these days. Sort of like being “honest” about calling people “fruitcakes” and “nuts” and suggesting that the “real Patriots” are the “TEA party members”. I wonder when YOU will be forthright and call out Republicans on THEIR behavior, see that, how “hypocrisy” works both ways?
One of my favorite new euphmisms…..”You Betcha” ! You are right on about Sean. I did not live there, but I understand there were alot of disappointed voters in PWC.