Erasing history

[J. Beckert]

From the folks at Change.org - those people who currently have a petition circulating to evoke sympathy for the "wrongfully accused" Boston bombers that killed a child and maimed dozens of Americans. Another regretful attempt to kowtow to political correctness and apologize for our nation's history. The next to last paragraph sums it up nicely, I believe.

"We should not erase history," Calvin Johnson, Jr., a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, told the news station.
He added, "These guys [were] regarded very highly in the North and South after the War Between the States, and it's only been the last 30 or 40 years that I think what you call revisionist history began in this country."

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/peti...26274.html

[Rsmyth]

I am really at odds on this one. As much as I love history I realize the monument stands for something many find offensive. On the other we have always honored those who fought for us, some of us, almost half of us (the Confederacy). Lee & Jackson were superb at what they did. Maybe if they sandblast the image of Jeff Davis and add A.P. Hill or the like, it would be viewed as more of a war memorial and not a symbol of the continuation and expansion of slavery and not as objectionable to the majority.

[BettyO]

Quote:Lee & Jackson were superb at what they did. Maybe if they sandblast the image of Jeff Davis and add A.P. Hill or the like, it would be viewed as more of a war memorial and not a symbol of the continuation and expansion of slavery and not as objectionable to the majority.

No history should be "erased." Why try and rid oneself of what actually happened. In my opinion, this is akin to brainwashing. It happened.

We definitely need to honor all people, North and South. They shaped and built our country into what it is today.

[Gene C]

This is an incredible monument. You can see it from miles away. If you ever spend any time in Atlanta, you need to see this. The whole place is amazing. The monument itself is 90 x 190 feet carving into the mountain. It is part of a very popular park.

http://www.stonemountainpark.com/activit...rving.aspx

[Rsmyth]

Most Germans and the world agree that Nazi emblems should not be displayed yet the vestiges of concentration camps should remain as a reminder of the horrors that occurred.

[Laurie Verge]

Time for one of my sermons...

I think that, once again, this Stone Mountain story is a prime example of the attempts of a few to wipe out a very significant part of our American story. Not only should we preserve history, but we should make every effort to UNDERSTAND it - and the people who made history (whether for good or bad).

This is strictly a sidebar, but to me it reflects once again that current and future generations know little about and have no respect for history: One of my staff members is working with our county's school system on a federally funded grant called Teaching American History. This past weekend, she helped map out a tour of African American sites in Washington, D.C. related to the Civil War to Civil Rights theme.

One of the sites that will definitely be included is the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum. This is a great little museum that has taken years to become a reality in one of the poorer neighborhoods in the city. Outside its doors is an impressive monument in tribute to the U.S. Colored Troops. This past weekend (and probably for weeks to come) there was a barricade surrounding the monument in order to prevent the skateboarders of the neighborhood from using it as part of their "track." Their continuous use, despite efforts to deter them, has resulted in damage to the monument with no thought to its significance.

One of the best programs that we have offered at Surratt House over the years was a PowerPoint presentation by the curator of that museum, Hari Jones. Very dynamic and also very well-versed on BOTH sides of the Civil War debate without being either an accuser or an apologist, Mr. Jones spoke for nearly two hours and fielded questions from a SRO audience for nearly another hour without one single person leaving the room - and he did it all without notes. And, the audience of about 80 people was very diverse.

This past Surratt conference included a bus trip on Friday to that monument and museum, where Mr. Frank Smith, founder of the project, gave the tour and was equally as knowledgeable (but confined by a time schedule). He was very well-received by our tour group - which I should mention was all white. No matter race, creed, or gender, the majority of Americans can handle delicate historical issues when presented with ALL the sides to the story.

[J. Beckert]

(05-02-2013 08:04 AM)Rsmyth Wrote:  Most Germans and the world agree that Nazi emblems should not be displayed yet the vestiges of concentration camps should remain as a reminder of the horrors that occurred.

I don't think anyone would disagree with you on that point, Rich, but the differences between the leaders of the CSA and the Nazi's are vast.

[Laurie Verge]

Agreed, Joe, and the underlying Nazi purpose of annihilation of an ethnic group was quite different from the CSA objectives.

[BettyO]

Definitely. I agree with you both Laurie and Joe. The Confederacy's agenda was not what Hitler's was -- no comparison!

[LincolnMan]

I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around the thought that we should have sympathy for the Boston terrorists-so accused anyway. Political correctness? Or something else?

[Gene C]

Something else. Misplaced values and the understanding of holding people accountable for their actions. Forgiveness doesn't erase facing the consequences for ones actions

Don't try to get your head wrapped around it. It will warp your mind

[Rob Wick]

Given the lack of support this guy's petition has gathered, I think it's really much-ado-about nothing. As a person on another board said, when the Georgia legislature passes a bill out of committee to remove it, then one can begin a discussion.

Also, while I find comparisons to Nazi's over the top (and I don't think Rich was comparing Confederates to Nazis) let's not forget that the leaders of the Confederacy were fighting to keep one race permanently enslaved. The symbols of the Confederacy have different meanings to different people, some of which aren't that altruistic.

Best
Rob

[LincolnMan]

(05-02-2013 10:02 AM)Gene C Wrote:  Something else. Misplaced values and the understanding of holding people accountable for their actions. Forgiveness doesn't erase facing the consequences for ones actions

Don't try to get your head wrapped around it. It will warp your mind

A "word fitly spoken" Gene.

[Rsmyth]

Just looking to find the break point in the grey area of symbology. What about something to narrow the gap...the Ku Klux Klan? Would walking around with a hood on be considered offensive. I guess what I am trying to say is, it is not cut and dry. As long as we are allowed to express our opinions, some will tolerate more than others. I do not like mullets, but tolerate them.

[Gene C]

Is their a difference betwwen the Klu Klux Klan outfits and a sheet worn over a dunce cap?