I just turned off the Patriots – Ravens game and headed on over to Family Guy, where I caught this little gem. Consider it bonus Lee-Jackson Day material
Family Guy’s Lee Logs
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First visited the Lee Plantation in 1965. The Slave quarters were “closed for repair” Was back in 1970 and, oddly enough they were still undergoing repair – Who coulda knowed? Was back with the family 23 years later . . . and . . . you got it, closed for repair. Dang those must have been some elaborate mansions the slaves had, given that was taking more than 30 years to repair them. You would think that something they thought was so wonderful that the slaves enjoyed it and they were willing to tear the nation in two over it would be something they would be so proud of they would want to show it off.
Do you mean Arlington House or Stratford Hall? Arlington House belonged to Lee’s wife’s family, Custis. They’re relatives of the Washingtons. Maybe you’ve heard of them; this guy “George” was a pretty famous general, and I think he might have even been a president. Imagine that!
In reality, Lee treated his slaves wonderfully. He freed the able-bodied ones and kept an older woman only because setting her free would have actually made her life much more difficult. The slave quarters at Arlington hadn’t been fully utilized since, well, the Washington days. So if you’re going to talk about how embarrassed they must be, remember, it’s George Washington, not Robert E. Lee, that they’re embarrassed for. Aside from his kindhearted treatment of his slaves, he was also the only cadet in history to graduate from West Point without a single demerit. He was truly one of the greatest men in American history, regardless of the side he fought for in one war. He didn’t fight to keep slaves or defend states’ rights. He defended his home of Virginia against invaders. You really can’t get much more honorable.
Aside from that, I don’t really believe you’re telling a factual story, Larry, because you have zero consistency when it comes to the numbers. You gave two dates for your first visit: 1965 and 1970. It’d be one thing if you said “In like 1965 or 1966,” but those dates are five whole years apart and you state them both as if they are 100% the date you visited. You can’t possibly have visited the plantation for the first time in both 1965 and 1970. Furthermore, you said 23 years later, you visited again, and that, in the over 30 years in the meantime, they hadn’t fixed the quarters. 23 years is over 30 years? Wow. I didn’t know that! We should really tell some physicists about this strange quirk of time.
In reality, Lee treated his slaves wonderfully.
I have no doubt that you believe this. Nice to be able to make such a judgement 150 years later and in the privacy of your own home.
Kevin there is another Family Guy clip where Bryan and Stewie visit Gettysburg while on an adventure. Sadly I cannot find the clip online, but it is on the “Road to Rupert” episode if you ever come across it.
I’ve seen it. Many of these short clips are eventually taken down for copyright reasons.
That’s hilarious. Unfortunately, 95% of Americans won’t get it.
I hear you, but don’t underestimate Family Guy’s audience. 🙂