For many, this is akin to removing a statue of Hitler, Stalin, or oppressive symbols like a Swastika. You can still learn about these men: library, book store, word of mouth, school, museums. I understand that Robert E Lee did more than just slave own, but consider that for descendants of slaves, a monument to an owner could be as tragic as a picture of your granddad, who molested and raped your mother (or daughter) hanging above the fireplace (in your home).
People’s inability to see this stems from sedentary imagination, empathy all seized up, for we are not talking about an trivial offense here, your not opening the door for me. But the removal of the stitches of a man that had been mauled, making it again susceptible to infection. This is about healing. The wound, believe it or not, is shared by the entire nation even if it affects you differently, still the eye cannot say to the foot, that it has no need of it.
If appealing to your conscience is to no avail, and you simply respect history, then respect this history: Robert E Lee was not interested in monuments being erected of himself. He opposed the spirit of traditionalism, “my conviction is, that however grateful it would be to the feelings of the South, the attempt in the present condition of the Country, would have the effect of retarding, instead of accelerating its accomplishment; [and] of continuing, if not adding to, the difficulties under which the Southern people labour.” It is a contradiction to honor a man of the past by dishonoring him.
Many Americans have their foot on the breaks, the handbrake clutched (opposing movement(s), when they need to be in drive, accelerating.
ה קול (Voice) 