An Explanation for the Removal of Monuments to Washington or...

You should read this piece by Charles Blow of the New York Times. He makes a good point. He makes it sound as if America would be taking a step to redemption. Although not Blow's intent, it's opportunity to bury and hide from our nation's past.

Should we remove monuments to all enslavers?

Should we remove the Jefferson Memorial in the nation's capital?

Should we destroy the Lincoln memorial for he wanted to ship all the people of African descent back to Africa and the Emancipation Proclamation was a failed attempt to keep slaves states in the Union?

Should we remove the Washington monument in the nation's capital?

Should we blow the faces of Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and Roosevelt from Mount Rushmore? (If the answer to that is yes, should we nuke Stone Mountain?)

Should we change the name of the nation's capital?

Or should we build a memorial to all those millions who died as slaves for it's their blood and lives that fed the growth of this nation? Should we build a memorial to those who died as a result of systemic racism? Should we build a memorial larger in square footage than the Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson memorials for those killed by slavery and systemic racism? Shouldn't they be honored as the nation's first heroes. Shouldn't they be honored as our first martyrs for justice?

For me, the answer is obvious.

The removal of monuments will not repair past injustices, especially those committed with the complicity of a nation. We can follow the German example. After World War II, it admitted to its grave sin against Jews.

It's no longer time for anger, although it will linger. It's no longer time for guilt, although it will remain. It's no longer time for denial, although unfortunately some fools will continue.

It's time to admit to our sin. To ask for forgiveness without expecting to receive it. Most importantly, to honor those murdered, raped, and injured out of greed, ignorance, and hatred.

For decades we have covered up the nation's sin. We can destroy monuments to the past and forget about it again. Or we can bow our heads and recognize our sin.

It's about time we all take a knee for the millions from whom a nation took so much and returned so little.