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On the Subject of "Erasing History"

Were you as shocked as I to see that monument knocked down in Durham, NC? Some are arguing that this "erases history." Have a seat...
How many monuments to Benedict Arnold and Cornwallis do we have on American soil? Were they not part of history? These Confederate statues memorialize TRAITORS that seceded and attempted to overthrow the federal government for the express purpose of continuing slavery.
Let's remember history... These statues were NOT funded by the government of the treacherous Confederacy. They were funded by governments of states and cities... active parts of the Union of the UNITED STATES.
Governments do not memorialize traitors. Governments do not memorialize villains. If citizens want to commission statues of persons, they are more than free to. HOWEVER, to expend GOVERNMENT money (that is to say money contributed by Black citizens too) to maintain statues and parks named for people who tried to defeat that government and continue to enslave those citizens' Black ancestors is illogical and morally indefensible.
We are in a digital age. There are a myriad of options for people to chronicle their feelings and interpretations about history. Those works will be preserved as long as civilization continues. Removing statues from public spaces (especially those that were commissioned to intimidate Black people) will not remove people's awareness of the Civil War. What it WILL do is accurately memorialize that history in public spaces where ALL citizens may reflect on those historical lessons.

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