Kevin Hardwick's message is an eloquent summary of the kinds of judgments
historians *and* citizens must make about our country's past--and our
state's role in that past. Virginia played a leading role in the founding
of the nation, a role that reflected its large population, its talented
political leaders, and its dependence on slavery. Liberty and slavery
arose together and were entwined (entangled?) in Virginia, as well as in
other colonies. Virginia's leadership at the national level helped to
ensure that this paradox, grounded in the economy of a region, would
become the burden of a whole nation. The struggle to free ourselves
from==or come to terms with--its consequences is still going on.


Douglas Deal
Professor of History and Director of General Education
State University of New York at Oswego
Oswego, NY 13126
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(315)-341-5631 (voice mail)
(315)-341-3577 (FAX)

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