Thursday, August 12, 2004
MAINTENANCE MAN UNCOVERS LONG FORGOTTEN MANUSCRIPT
By Stockton
Clarence "T-Bone" Dixon, a maintenance worker at the National Archives, found a rolled up parchment behind a radiator in the third floor men's bathroom at the National Archives building. His boss, Lester Newman, told him to toss it away, but Mr. Dixon was curious. He brought the parchment to Dr. Michael Capra, an historical documents expert at the archives. Mr. Dixon's decision may just change the way we see the United States and its history.
"I couldn't believe what T-Bone had found," said Dr. Capra. "As an historian, I've heard rumors, of course, but I never thought I'd lay my eyes on it. This is going to change everything."
Clarence "T-Bone" Dixon seen here with former President George H.W. Bush in 1992
According to Capra, the document appears to be some type of outline for governing the United States of America. "It was written by our early leaders and may just....and it's still too early to say....may just be the document this nation was founded upon." The document was in poor shape when brought to Capra. "It was dusty, moldy and flaking. Also, someone had taking a ball-point pen and crossed out a portion of what's called the First Amendment. Something about the establishment of religion. Additionally, the powers given to what is called the 'Executive' had been expanded, using the same ball-point pen."
The constitution - Is it the document that founded America?
The discovery sent shockwaves throughout the nation and particularly throughout the southern, or so-called Bible Belt, states. "For years," says Capra, "we've been operating under the assumption that this country was founded upon the Bible. This would seem to cast doubt on that assumption. In fact, the Bible isn't even mentioned in the Constitution, which is odd if, in fact, the country was founded on the Bible and Christianity."
Hobart Perry, spokesman for the Christian Coalition, was skeptical. "It's an intriguing find," said Perry when told of the news. "But lets not jump to conclusions. Personally, I find it suspicious that a document our Founders supposedly drafted would not even mention the Bible. It could be a fake. A brilliant fake, but a fake nonetheless. It's just the type of fake the Evil One would perpatrate. We must stay vigiliant."
President Bush said the discovery, "was interesting." If proved to be genuine, the President said he would review the document and consider adopting some of its provisions.
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By Stockton
Clarence "T-Bone" Dixon, a maintenance worker at the National Archives, found a rolled up parchment behind a radiator in the third floor men's bathroom at the National Archives building. His boss, Lester Newman, told him to toss it away, but Mr. Dixon was curious. He brought the parchment to Dr. Michael Capra, an historical documents expert at the archives. Mr. Dixon's decision may just change the way we see the United States and its history.
"I couldn't believe what T-Bone had found," said Dr. Capra. "As an historian, I've heard rumors, of course, but I never thought I'd lay my eyes on it. This is going to change everything."
According to Capra, the document appears to be some type of outline for governing the United States of America. "It was written by our early leaders and may just....and it's still too early to say....may just be the document this nation was founded upon." The document was in poor shape when brought to Capra. "It was dusty, moldy and flaking. Also, someone had taking a ball-point pen and crossed out a portion of what's called the First Amendment. Something about the establishment of religion. Additionally, the powers given to what is called the 'Executive' had been expanded, using the same ball-point pen."
The discovery sent shockwaves throughout the nation and particularly throughout the southern, or so-called Bible Belt, states. "For years," says Capra, "we've been operating under the assumption that this country was founded upon the Bible. This would seem to cast doubt on that assumption. In fact, the Bible isn't even mentioned in the Constitution, which is odd if, in fact, the country was founded on the Bible and Christianity."
Hobart Perry, spokesman for the Christian Coalition, was skeptical. "It's an intriguing find," said Perry when told of the news. "But lets not jump to conclusions. Personally, I find it suspicious that a document our Founders supposedly drafted would not even mention the Bible. It could be a fake. A brilliant fake, but a fake nonetheless. It's just the type of fake the Evil One would perpatrate. We must stay vigiliant."
President Bush said the discovery, "was interesting." If proved to be genuine, the President said he would review the document and consider adopting some of its provisions.
