Leftists Purging History or Al Queda in America

[Amarok]

I don't even think that is necessary (re-naming).  I'm not going to pretend to know, the motivations of those who put up the statues (if it was for white supremacy; I don't think that Lee or Jackson was a very good choice given the history of the matter).  However, even if it was was originally racially motivated, I think that with both men, it could be used to focus on the good that they stood for, rather than only fighting for the south (especially Lee and his promotion of unification after the war).  Neither seem to be all about (or a symbol) for slavery and oppression from what I have read on them.

On the matter, I'm kind of neutral.   These statues didn't bother me a year ago, and they don't bother me today.  I think that if the city or location that owns them, wants to take them down, and it is done through proper procedures; I have no problem with that.  If it is mobs tearing down or defacing statues because they don't like them; I think that is a different matter all together (more akin to the reference in the OP).  I think that a rational case can be made for both sides and the proper people may make their decision from there.  However when people won't even listen, or start trying to strong-arm politicians and such by calling anyone who disagrees a racist (unjustly);  I do start leaning away from that side and supporting the other rather quickly.

There is that typical theist narcissism once again. Nobody gives a fuck that it doesn't bother you personally. We are still talking about the defense of a horrible institution, that of slavery, and that should bother any empathetic thinking human being. The fact that you say it doesn't bother you says more about you than it does to those who rightfully object to making heros out of slave owners. Those statues were not mere history lessons, they were put up to honor those who fought to keep slavery. THAT is the part you keep missing.

Indeed there goes any credibility Road had . This is not a rational discussion of two sides. This is the easiest most non controversial idea ever. And pushing civic leaders to pull there heads out. Grow some balls . And stop pandering to bigots should be also. Unless you have an agenda and whine when people point it out.

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But the racists greatest friend is obfuscation, Delay , ambiguity, and moderation

As MLK put


"I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate,

• who is more devoted to 'order' than to justice;
  
  
  
• who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice;
  
  
  
• who constantly says: 'I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action';
  
  
  
• who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom;
  
  
  
• who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a 'more convenient season.'
  

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection."
-- Martin Luther King, Jr

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This is not a time for playing games with morons . It's time to crack out the hammers.




Man smashing a statue of Saddam