Treason (ˈtrēzən) noun: the crime of betraying one’s country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government. Synonyms: treachery, disloyalty, betrayal, faithlessness

Something’s been in my craw for a while. It’s not like I’ve lost sleep or anything, but it’s bothered me nonetheless. In January, the state celebrated Confederate Heroes Day. In 1931, the Texas legislature made January 19 a state holiday to commemorate Robert E. Lee’s birthday. Before I continue, I want to share a story.

Students often ask me how/why I became passionate about the study of history. There were a few reasons, but one involved my own experience in a U.S. history survey class. My professor was a professed Southerner. When he taught the Civil War he discussed Robert E. Lee as if Lee were his next door neighbor. I was awestruck. Even though I was years from even thinking about a career in education, I wanted to influence others the way he influenced me.

Okay, in my own studies of slavery, the Civil War, and race in general, I’ve come to the belief that our current society (the good and` bad) is a result of Lee’s decision to surrender to Ulysses Grant when he did. Even though Southerners continued to believe the Lost Cause was just and defensible, he put all that aside for the benefit of the country and an opportunity to resume as a single nation and become a single people again. So, that’s the positive side of Robert E. Lee that must be acknowledged and accepted. His character is above reproach.

Yet, his actions were not, and that’s the part of Lee that causes a certain level of consternation. At the onset of events that ultimately led to Fort Sumter, Lee chose his home state of Virginia versus his duty as a career military officer trained and educated at West Point. This was an act of treason.

On some level I get it. By 1860, this society had celebrated the Founding Fathers for nearly 100 years. Their bravery and courage in establishing a new republic where, in the immortal words of Thomas Jefferson, “All men are created equal” was certainly praiseworthy. So I can imagine growing up in Virginia under the shadow of Jefferson’s immense legacy would encourage following generations to not only revere his accomplishments, but to imitate them as well.

Therefore, on a certain level, I get it. Lee wanted to live up to the Legacy of the great author, statesman, and former President. I get it. However, today we should acknowledge that the Founding Fathers committed treason against England. Regardless of the motive or the intent, they took up arms against their government with the purpose of overthrowing its authority over them. In 1861, the Confederate States of America, with Robert E. Lee as a significant figure, took up arms against their government with the purpose of overthrowing its authority over them.

So, in 1931, the Texas legislature voted to commemorate the birthday not only of one of its heroes but the essence of the Confederacy and the romanticized Lost Cause. Revisionists would have us believe the Confederacy and the Lost Cause were predicated on states’ rights, honor, and freedom. Sadly, the folks who preach honor and freedom are often silent when the rights of “others” are violated, often violently and mortally (see Trayvon Martin). Where’s the honor in that?

While I haven’t lost sleep, I’ve certainly been agitated for a few weeks. Therefore, if January 19th is so important in Texas, I wonder why June 19th isn’t celebrated as well. Okay, I’m being facetious. I know very well why.

Later.