I'm somewhat indifferent to the statues although were I a black father I can't imagine walking through the park and explaining these statues to my son. I think the "erasing history" talking point lacks validity when these statues were erected decades/centuries after the act. Many were erected during the run up to civil rights movement. Now why do you think local governments in the South would erect monuments to Civil War heroes in the 40's, 50's and 60's? That alone should be a clue as to the purpose of these statues.
As a white male, they don't bother me but I also empathize wit a black teenage boy in Charlottsville that gathered hundreds of signatures in his own town in support of removing the statue. In fact, I'd argue the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue was Democracy in action.
All the people that took it upon themselves to drive to Charlottesville to protest what is a local issue need to wake up. That goes for white supremacists and antifa.
Last edited: Aug 18, 2017