To the editor,
Those in favor of not relocating the statue in Covington town square often retort we cannot change history. In essence, that is what the statue reflects “a change in history.”
In fact, those who erected the statue changed the reason for the war from slavery to the “lost cause,” “state rights” and “tariff taxes.” Changing the narrative was the mission of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Son of Confederate Soldiers and the Klu Klux Klan.
The statue reflects an era of White Supremacy and separation of people. Others say that their family did not own slaves as a valid reason to honor the confederates.
During the era of slavery, America experienced one of its biggest economic booms. This explosion of prosperity was enjoyed throughout the country by all, excluding the slaves. Textile factories were flourishing from making clothes for people in the south. In New York, Wall Street boomed as the property and expectations of a successful cotton crop loomed.
America was safe as a young country because of its financial wealth; the British, Spainish, and French could not attack and defeat this young thriving country.
The only people who suffered were the Slaves.
Slaves endured cruel treatment such as, beatings, rapes and murder.
We can’t change history, but we can tell the truth about America's controversial past. The heritage that statue supporters want to remember includes rape, murder, severe cruelty, subjugation, oppression and treason.
Reflect upon all the history, not just what one finds honorable. And, comparing “freedom fighters” statues to “oppressors” statues is disingenuous at the very least!
Gene Wills and Kathy Wills
East Metro for Social Justice
Covington
