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 [log in to unmask] (e-mail) (315)-341-5631 (voice mail) (315)-341-3577 (FAX) To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html