Many who oppose the removal of statues of Confederate leaders excuse their actions with either claims of “losing history“ or fearmongering about “where will it end?”
In reality, the issue is simple. Those whose historical roles were centered on an attempt to destroy the United States in an effort to preserve slavery deserve no honor.
We best teach history by honoring the victims of slavery, segregation and racial oppression, not memorializing the perpetrators. As a nation we have failed completely in this regard. Ignoring demands over the years to remove those memorials that are an offense to our nation’s aspirations has prompted angry protesters to act. We know that mob mentality results in poor decision-making and loss of sense of limits.
If statues and monuments to the imperfect but deserving leaders who founded our nation are lost or damaged, those who have defended the indefensible, fighting to preserve Confederate statues, share much of the blame.
Drew Allen
Grantsville