Ulysses S. Grant
I normally don’t discuss anything but real estate in my Blog, but I think an exception is warranted at this time.
I’ve been observing the obsession so many people have with, of all things, statues of historical figures they feel are “Racist”. Well, I must step in and assert that they made one terrible mistake, when they tore down a statue of Ulysses S. Grant.
I have an unusual connection with Grant. We share a birthday, causing me to have a life-long interest in him. In truth, he may be the least racist National figure in our history.
Grant married into a family with slaves, not unusual in the early 1800’s. However, he immediately freed his wife’s slaves. Remember, slaves were worth a lot of money. He GAVE them freedom.
Grant was the ultimate commander of the entire Union Army in the Civil War. He is widely regarded as the major reason the Union prevailed, and slavery was abolished in the United States.
After Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, Andrew Johnson became President. He undid much of what Lincoln had done to unite the Country. Fortunately, Grant was elected President in 1868, and served until 1877. He brought about dramatic improvements in racial issues, including eliminating the Ku Klux Klan, which had reached a lawless murderous level.
When Grant died, Frederick Douglas, the most famous Black man in the Country, eulogized, “In him (Grant) the (Black man) found a protector, the Indian a friend, a vanquished foe a brother, and an imperiled Nation a savior. Black Churches throughout the Country held special meetings to honor him as the Champion of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing all men the right to vote, and for dismantling the KKK.
Grant embodied everything we would have wanted in a great leader in a difficult time. His memory should be honored.
