There is an old adage that “what is done in darkness will come to light.” City officials in Memphis who concocted a secret scheme to “sell” a couple of public parks for $1000 each in order to evade state law prohibiting removal of statues and monuments without proper approval may soon learn the truth of that saying. As soon as they “sold” the parks, two monuments to Nathan Bedford Forrest and Jefferson Davis were quickly removed by the “new private owners” in the dark of night.
More facts are coming to light, and it is increasingly clear that the scam was carefully orchestrated by the Mayor and local political activists to skirt the clear intent of the law. If it was such a good idea, why was it done secretly and without public input and debate?
Sadly, this is not the first (nor likely the last) time that Memphis has sought to avoid the rule of law in order to “do whatever they want to do.” From creating a sanctuary city in violation of state law to removing statues and monuments in violation of state law, Memphis is following a consistent pattern of creating some sort of “laws we don’t like don’t apply to us” island within the state.
The history of our nation and state, and those who have played key roles in shaping that history, is one of failures and accomplishments, shameful and selfless behavior, actions that should be applauded and those that leave us appalled. Like each of us personally, our past is flawed and as a nation we will always continue to strive and struggle to overcome our weaknesses and shortcomings. But it is wholly inappropriate to erase our history based on the emotional outbursts of those who seek to impose their own politically motivated views on that history.
We face serious problems in the very communities where statues and monuments are being removed. Not one of those serious problems, such as violent crime, educational failures, poverty, health challenges, broken families, and joblessness will be improved by removing plaques, monuments, statues or any other historical tribute. Demagoguery, divisive claims of bigotry and racism and threats of violence if those who are offended don’t get their way are all distractions from the real problems that plague communities like Memphis.
Real leadership requires us to recognize our history, even if we can’t all agree to celebrate certain portions of it. And real leaders should certainly agree that breaking the laws, and evading their clear intent, in order to satisfy the demands of small groups of activists, is NEVER the right thing to do. Especially when what is done has to be accomplished in secret and in the shadows.
America is great…in spite of ourselves. As we celebrate the greatness of those who have sacrificed to achieve what we often take for granted we should do so regardless of their color, gender, background or challenges. We should not let their shortcomings, as judged by those with a current political agenda, erase the good they achieved despite their failings in certain areas of their lives and in the context of their particular time in history. We should stand firm in recognizing, protecting and preserving our history and our heritage, even if all of it is not perfect or pure.
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Joe Carr is a former State Representative and is currently a candidate for the Republican nomination for State Senate in Middle Tennessee’s 14th Senatorial District.
Well Joe I live in ALABAMA but that was well put. I hope you win your election and those with like feelings and guts to stop Memphis from erasing history before it’s too late! God bless you and your campaign!
Thank you sir for bringing your “True American Values” to the table in a time that some Hate groups are destroying valuable monuments and graves .These Hate groups are practicing discrimination and social unjust .As citizens if we break laws we get fines,probation,or jail .Being a mayor or State Representative,or President the same law pertains to them also ,so it is written again I Thank you and I will try to follow the progress of your adventure,
Jeff L.Walraven Sr.
CSA II Arkansas
State Commander
in 1929 and 1958 congress passe a us public law to preserve our statues and graves and heritage us public law 85-425 sect 410 and US STATUE LAW PART 1 PAGE 133 134 i google d this law congress gave confed. veterans the same legal status as us veterans declared those of us vetearns those desecrating confed.graves monuments are defiling us veterans as ww1 ww2 and korea vets.approved may 23 1958 US S US STATUE LAWS 85-425 SECT 410
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Prosecute all that were involved and return the statues.
I am with Joe !!!!
Totally support Joe Car….he supports saving our history…what about putting City. Country and State probably out for bid to the highest bidder… Not sell at bargain basement price so to distroy our history.
What idiots! Trying to pretend our history did not happen. History, good or bad, is a guide for the past to avoid the same mistakes in the future.
You guys going to let Reeves write a commentary as well. You know, fair and balanced.