OBITER DICTA

Pervez Self-amputates»

According to news reports, Pakistani autocrat Pervez Musharraf has decided to resign rather than face impeachment by the Pakistani parliament. A nice touch that. Makes wonder how history might be different if a few other tyrants had taken a bow rather than making a stand for their own power.
Back in November of 2007, Musharraf [...]

SCALAWAG AWARD

A Sorry State…»

We’ve given our Scalawag Award to groups before (such as the Ku Klux Klan), but never to any so large or so deserving of our contempt. Recently both the Virginia and North Carolina legislatures voted to apologize for slavery. The nation must regard these apologies as offered on behalf of the people the legislators represent, [...]

CRITICUS ON TOUR

Forever Fort Hill»

It is my desire that the dwelling house on Fort Hill shall never be torn down or altered, but kept in repair, with all articles of furniture and vesture which I herein after give for that purpose, and shall always be open for the inspection of visitors.
—LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THOMAS GREEN CLEMSON

In 1825, [...]

VEXING VEXILLARY

The Origin of the Cross of Saint Andrew»

The Cross of Saint Andrew is the central devise, or saltire, of the Confederate Battle Flag. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and was, as most know, one of the twelve apostles. He spread the Gospel in the provinces that are now part of Turkey, and then into Greece. He was crucified in [...]