Lincoln statue focus on controversy in Richmond

[pvtbillk]

Like Mr. Harrison, I'm getting a head start on Tuesday's topic. December 31 is General Meade's birthday, after all!

Yes, you read the subject line correctly. A statue of Mr. Lincoln and Tad planned for unveiling in Richmond in April is causing a bit of a stir.

"We feel that it's an in-your-face type of gesture and it serves no purpose," said Bragdon Bowling, commander of the Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. "They are saying that everyone should be on the same page now, but let them put up a Confederate symbol and see what happens."

Read the full article from <u>The Washington Times</u> at http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20021227-88121581.htm.

For a picture and further information, read Steve Clark's front page article in the <u>Richmond Times-Dispatch</u> of December 26 -- http://richmondtimesdispatch.com/fro...BUIYB26AD.html.

[unionblue]

I have to comment on this one. I am sorry that the commander of the SCV feels that this is an "in-your-face" and not what it should be taken for, a statue that represents history and, that finally, the Civil War has been fought and truly over for the past 140 years.

These comments by the man just make it seem that those he represents cannot truly let the past be the past, that they and others like them consider the past 140 years just a "time out" until the South decides to rebel again and finally "win".

I do not object to those figures who represent our history. If the SCV wants to erect a statue of Robert E. Lee in Washington, it should be permitted to, the man played a major role in our nation's history. So how about we all get over it and admit the past belongs in the past and learn from our history instead of whining about the outcome.

Just my own opinion,
Unionblue