By H.W. Crocker III
. . . .These days, Critical Race Theory dominates all, and its anti-American rage – abetted by Democrat politicians and more than a few Republicans – has torn down not just Confederate memorials, but the reputations and representations of Columbus, the Founders, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and just about every other former American hero conceivably at odds with “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
It should have come as no surprise – except to clueless conservatives – that as Confederate names come off military bases, schools, and streets, “pride” flags go running up the flagpole at every level of government, including the White House.
The Left’s objective is not just to eradicate regional pride and patriotism (now, at its lowest ebb ever).
It’s not just to snap our nation’s mystic chord of memory (though if you want to revolutionize society, that helps).
It’s not just to deny the military valor, genius, and sacrifice of Southern soldiers, which formerly inspired Americans North and South alike (Theodore Roosevelt, among others, reminded us that we, as a country, had the “proud right” to claim as our own “the glory won alike by those who wore the blue and by those who wore the gray. . .for both fought with equal bravery and equal sincerity of conviction, each striving for the light as it was given him to see the light”).
No, fundamentally, the Left hates Confederate monuments (and memorials to the Founders and other traditional heroes) because materialist Marxism’s ultimate enemy is Christianity, and the torn-down statues celebrated Christian men: men who put duty above self, who prayed, who believed in self-sacrifice, righteousness, service, and heroism (and recognized it in others), who trusted in God and relished life as a gift.
During the Civil War, many observers noted how Confederate soldiers, despite every misery they faced, remained carefree, happy, and resolute. They were, in fact, good ole boys.
They certainly offer a stark contrast to today’s young men and women, who are the most anxious, depressed, shallow, irreligious, unpatriotic, and immoral generation in American history, even though they have I-phones, Instagram, and computer games.
Confederate officers and their men not only expressed themselves – in their correspondence or recorded conversations – better than most people today, but they knew their place in the universe.
They knew what a man is and what a woman is.
They understood (and for the most part tried to follow) the basics of Christian morality. They knew (or thought they did) their rights under the Constitution.
They knew that patriotism and defense of hearth, home, and family were positive goods. . . . .
. . . .Their lives were infused with a sense of purpose. The standard to which they aspired was one of Christian heroism. And they saw that standard exemplified most especially in a man like Robert E. Lee.
While Lee is now a subject of leftist disparagement, he is, actually, the perfect antidote to the anomie and alienation of today’s young people.
In a world of self-centeredness (so self-centered that young people invent “gender identities” and demand that society affirm them), Lee is the great counterexample.
When a young mother asked Robert E. Lee what she should teach her infant son, he said: “Teach him to deny himself.”
Not “teach him self-expression” or “teach him self-esteem” or “teach him that good boys don’t make history.”
No, “teach him to deny himself” – and to take on his duty to serve others. . . . .
. . . .You want a restoration of America? You want more faithful, patriotic Americans? You want a happier America?
Then we need to consign Critical Race Theory – and every other attendant aspect of cultural Marxism – to the rubbish bin, and return our nation’s traditional heroes to their pedestals.
We need to teach Christian morality and heroism. We need to incorporate them into our own lives. And we need, with God’s grace, to become joyful rebels again. . . . .(read more on The Catholic King)
H.W. Crocker is the author of “Robert E. Lee on Leadership: Lessons in Character, Courage, and Vision”
Book Description:
“A masterpiece—the best work of its kind I have ever read. Crocker’s Lee is a Lee for all leaders to study; and to work, quite deliberately, to emulate.” — Major General Josiah Bunting III, superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute
Robert E. Lee was a leader for the ages. The man heralded by Winston Churchill as “one of the noblest Americans who ever lived” inspired an out-manned, out-gunned army to achieve greatness on the battlefield. He was a brilliant strategist and a man of unyielding courage who, in the face of insurmountable odds, nearly changed forever the course of history.
In this remarkable book, you’ll learn the keys to Lee’s greatness as a man and a leader. You’ll find a general whose standards for personal excellence was second to none, whose leadership was founded on the highest moral principles, and whose character was made of steel.
You’ll see how he remade a rag-tag bunch of men into one of the most impressive fighting forces history has ever known.
You’ll also discover other sides of Lee—the businessman who inherited the debt-ridden Arlington plantation and streamlined its operations, the teacher who took a backwater college and made it into a prestigious university, and the motivator who inspired those he led to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible.
Each chapter concludes with the extraordinary lessons learned, which can be applied not only to your professional life, but also to your private life as well.
Today’s business world requires leaders of uncommon excellence who can overcome the cold brutality of constant change.
Robert E. Lee was such a leader. He triumphed over challenges people in business face every day. Guided by his magnificent example, so can you.
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