Soon to be Gone

The governor has decreed this statue of Robert E. Lee will soon be gone. Of course that will precipitate demonstrations from those who want it to remain.

[Kerri Michaels]

great statue Hope they just move it

[Allison Williams]

@moviegal1 That, of course, leads to a whole other set of problems!

[bruni]

What is the reason why the governor wants it gone. it would be a shame.

[Allison Williams]

@bruni He was the general who led the forces of the South in an attempt to secede from the union and maintain slavery. He is a constant reminder to Black people that many in society still honor his efforts. It is like having statues of Hitler’s generals on the main avenue in Berlin.

[KWind]

Powerful image!

[bkb in the city]

I understand the reason behind it. However, it still is a huge part of history and l think it will cause more harm than good

[Allison Williams]

@bkbinthecity Do you remember the images of the statue of Saddam Hussein being pulled down? I think there is a similar feeling here.

[bkb in the city]

@allie912 Yes l am sure there is

[Kathy A]

Are people scribbling all over it because they oppose it or are they just destructive?

[Allison Williams]

@kjarn It is a symbol of oppression

[Kathy A]

The scribbling/graffiti Is a sign of oppression?

[Allison Williams]

@kjarn No, the statue is of the Confederate-general who led the Southern troops against the Union forces. He represents supporters of slavery.

[Kathy A]

Yes I thought that, I was asking about the scribbling graffiti, whether it’s done by people who oppose the statue or by vandals

[Allison Williams]

@kjarn who knows what motivates people to take the actions they do. It was done by people at the time groups were demonstrating. Whether they were moved by righteous anger or just the urge to deface property, I can’t say.

[Diane]

Great photo! I appreciate your posting it, since we've been hearing about Confederate statues for years. We have a Lee Circle in New Orleans which no longer has the statue. Your comment comparing it to the statue of Saddam Hussein is so perceptive.

Right after college, I taught school in Petersburg, VA during the first year of school desegregation. It was an eye-opening experience for someone who'd grown up attending integrated public schools in New Jersey. One night at a party the host gushed on and on about his idol, Robert E. Lee, and I couldn't stop thinking about the few brave but nervous black students who were trying to break racial barriers at Petersburg High.

[Allison Williams]

@eudora Petersburg, in case you haven’t kept up, is really struggling now. Lots of crime, government scandals and very low school testing scores. How did you go from NJ to Petersburg to LA? You have had an interesting life!