Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
“Talbot Boys” Confederate Statue Removal
This week, the Talbot County Council voted in favor of removing what’s considered the last standing Confederate statue on Maryland land from the lawn of the Talbot County Courthouse. It will be moved to a Virginia battlefield.
Our questions to you:
What are your thoughts on the statue and art removal taking place in cities and towns across the nation today?
Is this history being erased or a just cause? If the latter, to what end does this means satisfy?
Here’s what you said:
I strongly believe that the Talbot Boys monument should remain where it was put up well over 100 years ago. It is part of our history, both good and bad.
Duane Hilghman, Easton
On the courthouse lawn, where people of color have difficulty believing they can get justice, to have a KKK Jim Crow era monument to Confederate soldiers is wrong. It is historic. So is KKK but I don’t want them in my face. Move them where anyone can go visit if they like not where you must see them. Judge Tandy, who ruled slaves were property not people got moved off the state capital land properly. Besides, those who most want not to have history removed are pretty ignorant of the facts of history in my experience.
Carol C., St. Michaels
I can understand that a confederate statue is offensive, but it is part of our history that should not be erased but instead should provide a teaching opportunity. I do know that we elected a black president twice who at one point had a 70% approval rating which would not happen in a racist country. Who will decide what other history should be erased? Is the U. S. Constitution next? We are a Republic that was formed so the citizens of this country would be treated equally and had the power over the government. That is quickly slipping away. Our capitalist system that made us the land of opportunity is slipping away. Let’s hope they don't decide to replace these statues with statues of Chairman Mao, Sol Lewinsky, or Che Guevara which could happen as history is only selectively taught in our school system.
Julia Jones, Edgewater
While I realize the statues bring unpleasant memories for some, they are history and they are from a time in history when statues were appropriate to recognize events. If there are no statues then no one will learn from them! We don't want that kind of history to repeat itself and it reminds us how far we have come. It is unfortunate it gives others such bad reminders. If I don't see a statue to question it and then revel in how bad it was, I'm never going to learn history. Personally, I think it's just a bad move
Denise White, Gambrills
Disgraceful! The removal of all of these statues, etc. is an ongoing effort to erase history. History can serve as a lesson of what not to repeat in the future. If we continue to bury everything that offends someone, no one will ever know what happened in the past! People need to stop making everything all about THEM and instead learn what never to repeat! I hope all of these statues will be placed in the fields in which they fought....and not just dumped in a museum basement!
K.E., Annapolis
The statute should be removed from public property. It is time that government stops venerating and romanticizing the Confederacy, a cause committed to ending the republic and perpetuating slavery. Those causes are inconsistent with our Constitution and humanity.
John Mueller, Annapolis
I'm tired all of this whiny reminiscing about the "lost cause," and the phony claims that the "war between the states" was all about "states rights." Baloney; it was about the rights of the confederate states to maintain the institution of slavery, nothing else. Hundreds of speeches by southern legislators stated that fact loudly and clearly, and anyone who denies it is probably a holocaust or moon landing "denier" as well. We don't need the statue to remind us of those facts
Al DiCenso, Easton
It's WRONG!
John Blauvelt, Arnold
Removing the Talbot Boys statue changes nothing. I doubt seriously that many citizens in Easton ever noticed the statue or what it symbolized. This should be a teachable moment. The focus should be on learning not to repeat historically misguided ideals and more effort expended educating the communities in this country that have high rates of violence and crime.
Nancy Callahan, Annapolis
I am absolutely disgusted by the removal of statues within our country. The civil war was fought brother against brother…and many others. They fought for freedom. It may have been right or wrong BUT it is a part of our U.S. HISTORY and we cannot and should not erase history. Those statues represent people who fought in wars, died for us, or for others and it is most disrespectful to each one of those heroes to destroy that part of our history. People need to get over being offended. Or whatever else the problem is. We need to be and to respect each other, be true Americans and fight to protect our freedoms. Our constitution was founded on principles and faith. Everyone knows that America is the melting pot of the world and our freedom is something we need to cherish and continue to be proud of, not be offended by every item or thing someone says or does. Agree to disagree but show respect for each other and thank God every day for that freedom. Get rid of negatives, prejudices, and protect our country. God bless America but more importantly America Bless God!!! Pray every day for those lives given to protect our freedoms. Shame on those who refuse to acknowledge that we are all Americans and free because of those who fought to protect those rights. Stand up for the greatest country in the world. Respect historical facts and quit being offended at every turn. It’s life people, it’s freedom for all and it’s our country. Be grateful for what we have and thankful to those of you who love and respect the greatest country. Be an American and be proud. Turn off the media and politics and be proud to be one for all and all for one.
Ronnie Wilson, Stevensville
