by Thomas M. Moncure, Jr.
Reliable estimates place the number of Virginia residents born outside the United States at 12% to 15%. In 2012, for the first time since about 1650, a majority of residents were born outside of Virginia. And this native count includes first-borns who live in homes where Farsi or Hindi or Spanish is spoken. Ethnic Virginians -– those of us more than three generations deep — are now a distinct and shrinking minority in the Commonwealth.
This onrush of aliens has obvious political consequences: Virginia turning from red to blue. A more subtle, if more substantial consequence, is dramatic cultural change. Coming from foreign places like Guatemala or Foggy Bottom, these new residents tend to focus on the national or international. They have some awareness of the federal precedents -– the coming 4th of July holiday is a reminder –- but know little or nothing of the contribution of Virginia and the Virginians.
We ethnic Virginians have been remarkably poor stewards of our own history. June 12 marks the 248th anniversary of the adoption of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the single most important document in the development of American constitutional liberty. In a more perfect Virginia this would be the most celebrated date on the calendar.
The Declaration was penned by the “unknown” or “forgotten” founder, George Mason, and is echoed in the federal Bill of Rights. It not only set forth our most fundamental rights, but also articulated the philosophical foundations on which our government is laid. While well worth reading in its entirety, the document contains two provisions that go to the heart of what is required of us as Virginians:
§15. That no free government, nor the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people, but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; and by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.
§16. That it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.
It is long past time to restore Virginia and Virginians in precedence and importance. Let us start with June 12th. This is not preening hubris, or fuzzy nostalgia, but rather reputable history. We need to inculcate in our newer residents that the place they occupy is more than a nice or convenient address. Those who share our land should also share our passion for the Virginia that we love.
Thomas M. Moncure, Jr., a descendant of John Washington and Richard Lee, resides in Colonial Beach.
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