Congratulations, Alexandria! We are one of the final 10 cities in the running to earn the coveted title of “The Most Politically Correct Town in America.” There are just a few things left to do to clinch the coveted prize. Ripping down the memorial plaque from Christ Church, where George Washington was a parishioner and had the audacity to sit and pray a whopping two centuries ago was an excellent start. Everyone knows by now what a terrible sinner our First President was, and imagining that he ever walked into, breathed or knelt in such a holy space is positively triggering. I thank the Lord every day that you and I are so unlike that wretched sinner, George Washington.
Of course, I am not serious. Judging from Washington’s own letters and diaries, and the historical accounts of the way he conducted his life, it’s pretty obvious that he was a great man. Not just a great man, but a truly outstanding one, and a model for soldiers, citizens and people everywhere. Yes, Washington was a mere human with flaws, and in many ways, a product of his times. Yes, the 18th century was tough for everyone and much harder for the poor and oppressed. We know for a fact, however, that George Washington struggled earnestly to be the best person he could be, both in his private and professional life. How many people today can honestly say the same?
And speaking of “today,” there is one particular challenge of our times that threatens and undermines our understanding of the past and present. It is rampant, pernicious political correctness. In the past few years, politically correct fantasies have reached a fever pitch to the point of taking over the rational mind. The Christ Church decision is a textbook case. The church would have us accept the idea that some day, some emotionally damaged visitor might take offense at seeing a plaque memorializing George Washington’s attendance there. Such a preposterous notion boggles the mind! Even if that one-in-a-million, fragile and mentally unbalanced visitor existed, so what? Couldn’t he or she be hastily re-directed to the gift shop for a little retail therapy?
It’s sadly evident that the deciders at Christ Church have lost their way. I worry about their mental health, not that of their visitors. Don’t they realize that George Washington is the only draw to their handsome gem of a landmark? Why else would anyone spend 45 frustrating minutes hunting for one of those elusive parking spaces if not to see where George worshipped, or else check off the Pokemon Go site on their cellphones? No, the visitors make the trek to experience George, and only George.
When we visit any church, we ought to feel mightily triggered. We should routinely feel vulnerable and unsafe, pondering our sins, failings and the evils of our times. George Washington’s plaque, by contrast, is a totally harmless piece of metal. It should remain there forever to tell his important story.