Zeb Vance was a big slave-owner and a Confederate military officer. Aycock was a big proponent of public education and a major segregationist. At the moment, Aycock's reputation is under a cloud, though why Aycock is now singled out -- and Zeb Vance isn't -- for having his statue thrown out of Statuary Hall is an interesting case of political opportunity and egregious ass-kissing.
And who's puckered up to kiss major ass? Senator Dan Soucek.
Thus, behold! Soucek is the primary sponsor of S529, A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT REQUESTING THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS TO APPROVE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STATUE OF CHARLES BRANTLEY AYCOCK IN NATIONAL STATUARY HALL WITH A STATUE OF THE REVEREND WILLIAM FRANKLIN "BILLY" GRAHAM, JR.
Isn't Soucek employed by Billy Graham's son Franklin Graham at Samaritan's Purse? According to the Republican NC Caucus, he is, since 2004. Did Franklin Graham put Soucek up to this? Soucek told Newsom that "another constituent" made the suggestion. Another constituent with private jets and deep pockets, who pays Soucek's salary?
From which naked toadying we turn away in embarrassment, leaving the historical, architectural, and cultural heap of Soucek's wreckage for others to unpack at their leisure.
Great. Billy Graham may not have owned slaves, but he is every bit as bigoted as the slave-owners. Not to mention what a suck up to evil (like Nixon) he has been. Not to mention his charlatan fund-raising. I guess Soucek knows who he owes his position to though and we all know who he serves. It sure isn't us.
ReplyDeleteA more appropriate choice would be Andy Griffith - in many respects, Griffith's impact on NC culture is very similar to that of Will Rogers, who is Oklahoma's entry to the collection.
ReplyDeleteConsidering Griffith's liberal leanings, I can't see anyone in the Tea Bagger legislature getting behind that plan.