Today — April 9, 2010 — will go down as a memorable day. First, my native state of Michigan officially declared it Ernie Harwell Day in honor of what looks very much like the legendary Hall-of-Fame baseball broadcaster’s last Detroit home opener with us (and bless the Tigers, they beat Cleveland 5-2). Can’t say it enough: Thank YOU, Ernie Harwell.
I’ve also learned that lawmakers from my adopted home state of Colorado have declared today David Benke Day, in honor of the selfless, heroic teacher at Deer Creek Middle School who doubtless helped save student lives from a deranged gunman. I’m honored to have met both of these fine, humble men, and am glad to know they share the same commemorative day. They are both most deserving, each in his own way.
But there’s one other reason to make April 9, 2010 memorable: It’s the 145th anniversary of General Robert E. Lee’s famed surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House — most beautifully and eloquently captured in the memoir of General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, The Passing of the Armies — bringing the great hope of peace to an American nation ravaged by the Civil War. (This one is for you, Snags.)
Detroit should call it “Jhonny Peralta” day, as it was his 3-run error that allowed the Tigers to win!
“This one is for you, Snags.”
This one is for you Mr. DeGrow:
Ben DeGrow: “bringing the great hope of peace to an American nation ravaged by the Civil War.”
Lord Acton: “I grieve more for what was lost at Appomattox than I rejoice at what was gained at Waterloo.”
Robert E. Lee: “The consolidation of the States into one vast republic, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of that ruin which has overwhelmed all those that have preceded it.”
Conservative “fusionist” philosopher Frank Meyer: “Were it not for the wounds that Lincoln inflicted upon the Constitution, it would have been infinitely more difficult for Franklin Roosevelt to carry through his revolution, for the coercive welfare state to come into being and bring about the conditions against which we are fighting today.”
League of the South blogger “Ol Rebel”: “Who can look at the power-grabs, ruinous deficits, and distant wars this government is waging today at the expense of voiceless, powerless Americans and not conclude Robert E. Lee and Lord Acton were right?”
The Prophet Jeremiah: “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘peace, peace,’ but there is no peace.”
I knew you couldn’t resist responding. At least you didn’t profane this space by saying anything bad about Ernie Harwell.
Well, as of 10:20 pm my response still shows “Your comment is awaiting moderation” up at the top of my response. I DO hope you will accept it, since you so ably manipulated me and caused me to spend the time writing such an excellent comeback.
Who’s Ernie Harwell? (Missing the sports gene, sorry.)
P.S.: would live to hear your take on the McDonnell Confederate History Month proclamation debacle.
P.S.: would live to hear your take on the McDonnell Confederate History Month proclamation debacle.