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Your Views: 2 American icons; one we celebrate, the other we ignore
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As we open this year we again experience the now traditional month long bowing the knee to the politically correct Baal. January marks the birth month of two famous Americans. It is only fair and honest to make a comparison of these two individuals.

Famous American No. 1 has a national holiday named for him. He is famous for disobedience, disorder and civil unrest. This individual has a record of plagiarizing his doctoral thesis. His credentials for earning his advanced degree were called into question. He was a known womanizer. This information was confirmed by one of his own buddies, Rev. Ralph David Abernathy in the book, "And the Walls Came Tumbling Down."

This man was a socialist by his own admission. At least three of his high ranking advisers were communists (Baynard Rustin, Stanley David Levison and Hunter Pitts O’Dell). Prior to his death he was dabbling in the anti-war movement along with the likes of Jane Fonda.

For those of you who at this point know whom I am talking about and are outraged at these comments, let me ask you a question: Why did a federal judge seal this man’s FBI records for 50 years? Fifteen file cabinets of documents out of public view for 50 years. I doubt the information contained in these files will ever see the light of day. Were his records sealed because of his sterling character? I don’t think so.

Let’s look at famous American No. 2. This individual is hardly recognized, seldom studied in government schools, yet he completed his studies at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point without so much as one demerit. He is the only cadet to have accomplished this remarkable feat. Surprisingly, to the good credit of the Academy, they still tout this American as one of their finest.

This individual has no record of an attack on his character and integrity by either friend or foe. Today military experts still study his leadership of troops in the armies of two nations. This man was an unsurpassed military officer, exceptional educator and a gentleman of the highest degree. He has been praised and honored by such notables as President Dwight Eisenhower and Sir Winston Churchill.

In closing, Hall County, as most government agencies nationwide, observes the birthday of American No. 1, but not American No. 2. At this point, if you do not know the identity of both of the above men, you are badly in need of a history lesson.

Fred N. Chitwood
Gainesville