The disorder and death in Virginia seem to have begun with disputing the aim/intention of pulling down

a statue of Robert E. Lee.  The man himself would have probably distanced himself from both public

statuary and the violence.  Offered the post of commander of the Federal forces of the North, he

declined because he considered that his first duty was to his own state - Virginia.

The Army of Northern Virginia was his to command and his military skills and leadership became

legendary in both the North and the South during the Civil War.  Grant and Lee were virtually

interchangeable in their respective roles, but whereas Grant went on to accept nomination for

president on the victorious side, Lee retired to academia, refusing public office despite the

recognition bestowed upon him across the nation. .

He always saw his duty to Virginia coming first despite misgivings about all that was in dispute and

that is certainly the reason why the state was so ready to put its admiration and gratitude for his

allegiance on public display in the form of a statue.

Perhaps those seeking to pull him down should look more deeply into the cause and effect of Lee's

own life and time instead of seeking to adjust (banish?) history for their own ends.

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