There are just as many if not more people in and out of the hobby who support this effort. I find it hard to believe people who have a real love of history and in particular, this period of history would be against efforts to educate and bring in new people to the history.

No, having past elected officials on the board is not the end all, but it does provide evidence the group is not just some fly by night outfit. Of course they are working with the City and the County in order to put forth the best effort possible. I know both the SCV and the USUV are planning to come here for the anniversary. They would not plan to be here otherwise.

Had the Museum stepped up and had plans to do these events, then I would agree with you, there should not be a duplicate effort. However, it appears there are no such efforts and so there was a void to fill. Besides the Museum does not just do War Between the States events.

Well, the World would be a pretty boring place if everyone had the same opinion.

Because you and others have gone from one argument to another including attempting to say there are going to be duplicate events, I was just pointing out that is not the case, and provided specifics. There are other events planned, but of course you don’t want to admit that, or can’t. You would rather just focus on two events, which of course is your right, but that is only part of the picture.

You and others have played the class card, have accused the group of just wanting to play soldier, have only their interests in mind, etc.

Just because you don’t know anyone who does not travel for such events does not mean there are not. Unless of course you feel you know everyone involved in the hobby.

The bottom line is this group does have a plan, has experence in helping the community, has former elected officials on their board, and is working with the City and the County. There is nothing wrong with that. The City has only provided 50,000 so far. There is not just providing money to a group of rich people and then not seeing how or where it is spent.

Again, it seems you simply do not like this type of history and because of that feel why should anyone else.

The County and the City have attempted to save and promote as much of our local history as possible and I believe this is just an extension of that.

I’m sorry, but you do not want to see my point of view. You and others who are against this effort, have lied, smeared the people involved in the effort, etc. You are the ones who do not want to listen to any other opinion but your own. The only people who are being negative are you and others who do not want tourists to come here and spend money, and think any effort of a public/private partnership is bound to fail.

This group is not planning events that are already in place, or planned to take place. That is why they are working with the County and the City in order to not duplicate events, which I agree would be an issue.

Before this group was formed, there were no plans to have a reenactment, a peace Jubilee, or dances. There were/are plans to highlight local landmarks, and to have tours of these places.

Just the facts,

Again, do you support the County spending money on attracting people to the area? Do you support the County spending money on events? Do you support the efforts the County has made to this point and future efforts to preserve our history?

Your continued attacks on people who want to bring money to the area is over the top, and just makes you look silly. Agian, Wolfe was just one vote, but you continue to ignore that, because it does not fit your narrow minded attacks, that you feel will only work if you only focus on two people and engage in class warefare. Do you even know who else is on the board of the group?

If you are so concerned about how much money is being wasted by the County, where have been before this came up? Where has your outrage been over the illegal aliens and the money the County has spent on people not paying their fair share of taxes? I don’t think I have ever seen you post on this blog before this issue came up.

The Washington Post ran a story last week about this effort and detailed the fact the group is working with the County and the City in order to come up with the best possible plan to make it a success for the area. This is not as you and other have suggested some fly by night group of “rich” people just looking to have some fun.

I’m sure I will donate money at some point, because I support the effort.

Regarding paying for this through additional taxes, as I wrote before, KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF MY POCKET! I don’t care where the events take place, I refuse to pay for them and will help ensure that this is an election issue in 2011 against any supervisor who votes for it. Regarding Manassas, I’m a PWC resident/taxpayer and if Manassas residents want to be fleeced by a bunch of rich people to pay for their fun, that’s their business.

By the way Citizen, you seem to think that this is so important, let me ask how much of your own money you have voluntarily handed over to Wolfe, Owen, et. al. to finance their schemes? I support fully allowing people to pay for whatever activities they want with their own money. Charge a fee for admittance. If you plan something I might enjoy, I’ll pay my own way to participate.

PWCovertaxed - thanks for pointing out some of the many events for which planning is underway and taxpayers have already funded.

Yes, you did imply people who might attend the ball are racist. I’m not part of the group, another lie on your part. But, then again, I’m not shocked. Of course if you had any knowledge of the topic, you would know this group is working with PW County to plan and hold the events. The City has provided $50,000 so far and has indicated another $50,000 will be given to the group if certain conditions are met. I’m not sure where you got the $200,000.00 figure, but I suppose you have to lie in order to make your “points”.

Just the facts,

Nobody is playing soldier, and what are these parties you talk of? If you support history and bringing people then you should support the private/public partnership. Furthermore, if the County spends the money on their own activities, would you still feel the same? Would other services suffer cuts if they decided to spend it?

Where are these events that are already funded? Where are the votes from the City Council and the County BOS that dedicated money to the already planned events?

I support fully promoting tourism and history, and commemorating the anniversary of the battle. However, I oppose strongly handing over $350,000 (and perhaps $1 million from the state) to a private group that doesn’t even provide a detailed budget of how they will spend the money.

KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF MY POCKET! Any supervisor who votes for this will account for that vote on election day and have to explain why schools, police and other vital public services are being cut in order to fund a private group of rich people who want to dress up, have parties and play soldier.

Sorry, but you engaged in name calling first, implying people who supported the balls were racist. Sorry, you got called out, maybe next time, you won’t start something you can back up. The facts are the facts. This is going to be huge event, and people like you, who badmouth it are going to look pretty stupid.

Adams County does not have to issue the permits by law since they are special permits, they can turn them down.

And, once again I’ll point out, there is more than just the reenactment going on, but you just seem to be focused on that. A bit narrow minded to be sure.

Again, instead of name calling go up there and ask the Staff Historian for NPS…ask James “Bud” Robertson who is considered widely the state expert on the Civil War and who saved the 1961 commemoration. Just facts from EXPERIENCED people…not name calling

You are a dolt. The balls are for those people that want to attend a dance an that is it. Just because you’ve got a small mind and a political agenda, don’t cast it onto anyone else. I have heard a lot of funny things, but I’ve never heard a dance was racist. Is that the type of history you want to be taught? Is it also your opinion that anyone who hires blacks to be on their wait staff must be racist? Really, are you saying that? Or, just making a fool of yourself? I guess to you anyone who dresses up in a Confederate uniform must be racist.

The reason Gettysburg issues the permit is because it brings money into the local community.

A serious historian knows dances were very common during that period and a part of everyday life and to not discuss them, is not only wrong, but stupid. The last time I was in Gettysburg, earlier this year, there was a Confederate Artillary unit on the battlefield doing a living history. There was also a music show at the visitors center. Ya, that shows they look down on reenactors and dances. You simply do not know what you are talking about. Keep talking, because the more you do, the more it makes you and your side look like fools for not wanting people to come and spend money in our area.

Schools already get enough money. Though, I bet you fall for the “fully funded” bs line all the time.

I’m not a part of the group.

As for Gettysburg supporting the reenactments…the local govt issues a permit, not DONATE $250,000!! I think there is a BIG difference….go to Gettysburg National Military Park and ask any of the historians or park staff about reenactments, balls etc… You will get a chuckle. The usual response from a serious historian to these type of things

The local tours are ALREADY happening! I went on a great tour this past year. This money would be better spent in the schools educating the youth of this county about their history…not putting on “Civil War Balls”. Again, not against your group’s events and activities…I am sure some will enjoy them. But, dumping government money into I think is the wrong way to go.

I think you are not be honest when you say not many people showed up at the Gettysburg reenactment. There were thousands of people, I don’t know the exact number of course, but you can bet the events bring in money, otherwise the local Government would not keep supporting the events and providing permits for them.

HMI is more than just the rail station, but in an attempt to belittle them I understand why you have to distort facts. Of course Manassas as we know it did not exist in 1861. But, the junction did, and that was a major land mark in the war. HMI is trying to get people to come to the City and the County, but want more people to know the Junction played a part in the war, and in particular Second Manassas. There are events planned for the County.

Exactly what events do you feel are negative for the City?

Again, like others, you focus on the reenactment, not the balls, not the local tours, not the Jubilee. The only thing funny is you and others who don’t know what you are talking about.

http://www.civilwartraveler.com/maps/moremaps/PrinceWmCty.pdf

http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=040076001370005556

The proven record you speak of is running a visitors center at the train station…this is an HMI attempt to take the attention of the nation and put it on Manassas City (which didnt exist in 1861). Why should PWC pay the HMI board (reconstituted in this VCWE) to bring tourism money to the city when the County is being asked to foot a larger portion than the city?

The reenactment is the biggest lion share of this whole thing. What are you doing in the schools? (a real attempt is already being made with local schools by the local committee you refuse to credit) What will you do to give an honest and balanced view of the war? Who will you account to?? Not the taxpayers who would be paying for the party. Go ahead and do you plans and events…just NOT with government money. Reenactments happen all the time, why subsidize it with govt. funds when Manassas Museum is cutting staff and other local historic sites face stiff budget cuts? You want to bring all these people here but if the money you get cuts the attraction budgets, then what are these tourists going to see? Closed and limited museums and sites?? Funny….