Working for an organization that promotes the preservation and understanding of history has not changed my mind about the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia. But amidst the hysteria of political correctness, there is actually a historical aspect to consider; as well as a political one.
First of all, let me go on record as saying the white hate groups are wrong. That kind of thinking is as anti-American as it gets. But let me also add that any hate-group of any ideology, racial identity or religious or political affiliation is also bad.
But when we are talking about removing historical statues, memorials and the like, we are also treading on questionable grounds. If someone finds something objectionable, does that give him/her the right to destroy that portion of history? If so, should we also re-write the textbooks and historical accounts so that they no longer reference slavery and other social injustices? Holding history up to a measurement without considering its historical context is really not a good way of evaluating its worth.
Does this mean that I want to see a lot of confederate flags waving wherever I go? Absolutely not! The confederacy lost the war and therefore does not "get to" be represented—except perhaps, as a historical footnote.
But to forget the history that has led us all to where we are today is a grave mistake. Likewise, to glorify the divisions in our society is a crime against the population as a whole. I believe that we can benefit from history, truth and tolerance; and that hate and hysteria will only breed more of the same.
—KJC
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