OP ED Opinion:
I have no reason to doubt any of the messages I've read,
paricularly that of John Bryan, for I have not personally
researched the Cavitts, but I wish to interject some 'food
for thought'.
In a structured discussion last year, members of the Armstrong
Mail List commented on their feelings about the historically
documented fact that their ancestors were known as border
reivers, or thieves. I feel that the concensus of opinion
of the Armstrong Mail List should be considered in the case of
Andrew Cavitt; i.e. we are not here to judge our ancestors,
but rather to learn and appreciate our heritage.
We can no more judge the acts of our forebears than we can
tread the paths they trod in life. We know the world in which
they lived only by speculating on records that may, or may not,
be accurate. Any attorney will readily admit that Courts and
Justice are not synonymous. Any teacher will attest to youthful
rogues who beame substantial contributors to society as adults,
and that Andrew Cavitt contributed to the development of the State
of Texas is indisputable.
Let us tread softly, lest our descendants do unto us as
do we unto our ancestors.
Helen Gant Donald