The Current State
The success of the iconoclasts is impressive. A man I know and admire is fatalistic when it comes to the remaining statues and monuments, including the one in Arlington National Cemetery. This 80-year-old marine and retired firefighter shook his head and said: “I don’t think you can stop it.”
That Talking Heads song Once In A Lifetime comes to mind. “You may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?” I will tell you how WE got here.
- Statues and monuments are not important to most people. They are more concerned with raising families, Facebook, and the NFL.
- Most of us never imagined that so many statues and monuments could be destroyed in such a short period of time.
- The iconoclasts are serious and motivated. Mock that they look and sound silly, but they get it done.
- The people many of us underestimate have significant political and financial support. From vice-presidential candidates to local district attorneys there is cover. Lots of money too.
- The press is either on their side (CNN, NBC, etc.) or apathetic (Fox News) when it comes to the destruction of monuments.
- Elected federal officials like Senator Warren sponsor bills that get bi-partisan support to launch federal committees that recommend destroying memorials in cemeteries. Think of the momentum created by that fact.
- Historians and academics demonizing the Founding and the South seem to be more numerous and well known than those who are writing real history.
- There is at least one significant and well-funded charity that puts effort into identifying Confederate monuments and names for destruction.
- Senior military officers call dead Confederates traitors and defend anti-racism training in the military with only a few objections from Republican federal elected officials.
The momentum is with the destroyers. Their success provides a roadmap for the defense of the traditions, art, and history being minimized by the removal of artifacts. This will change the country. What should those of us interested in preserving tradition do differently?
Or is it:
Same as it ever was…
Same as it ever was…
Same as it ever was…
