By appointing Bowman, a decorative arts specialist who has spent most of her career in the Far West (LA County Art Museum and a wildlife facility in Wyoming), the powers that be in Charlottesville may be sending a signal about the future focus at Monticello. Will an art historian be able or inclined to pursue the controversial issues regarding Jefferson that have consumed this list for several weeks? Bowman stated for the record in 1999 that Winterthur was her "magical" or dream job, and one wonders why she left and whether she is ready for a far more politically-charged environment with national scrutiny. That appointment brings to mind the issue of GOADING, which this list has been particularly subject to lately with regard to the postings of our D.C. lawyer. (I had flashbacks to the angry townspeople attacking the castle with torches in various Frankenstein movies.) Years ago, I was present at a typical Monticello house tour with a large group of vacationers. When the docent/guide (truly a very refined, "little old lady" in white gloves) asked if there were any questions, one stereo- typical, camera-around-the-neck, bermuda-shorts-wearing tourist in the mode of Chevy Chase yelled out: "Tell us about Sally Hemings and Jefferson." The now-red-faced guide dismissed that by saying, "we don't discuss controversial issues like politics and religion" on such tours. "Hell," he said, "I'm talking about sex and race!" From the land of high winds and rising waters, Fred Fausz St. Louis ************** Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html