And many of the posters are probably in an older demographic. So I don’t anticipate being able to change any opinions or views on the world.

I will say that some of the posts recently have not reflected great on the TSL community. There is a lot of discussion that misses or ignores the big picture. For hundreds of years human beings were forcibly bought and sold against their will. They were forced to do labor, beaten, and sometimes killed. Families were ripped apart. And it was all done for money and power.

This is recorded and undisputed history. It happened in many places around the world including the US. And that history includes people who actively accepted or supported views that disparaged other races. Which brings us to the current discussion around statues and naming of places.

Statues and names are a way to celebrate and pay respect to a person. So celebrating those who fought for slavery (and against the USA), and paying respect to those who spoke down to non-whites (native Americans, Hispanics, blacks, and Asians) should be reevaluated. To honor a person is to honor their actions and words in life.

So be angry at the current events if you want. But realize the reason for the actions and what message it sends if you prefer to leave statues and names in place that honor people who looked down on and suppressed anyone different. Empathy is hard but very rewarding.

Note: not directed at you CCH. Just a general post from reading the board over the past few weeks. I understand this may not be a popular post and I’m willing to accept any debate, alternative views or criticism.

[Post edited by HokieAl at 06/28/2020 07:43AM]