Cornwallis story needs perspective

Re Halifax statue vandalized, May 14 It is important that we deal with the Cornwallis controversy in such a way as to retain the man, because he has a place in our story, but take time to place him in a more accurate historical perspective. Perhaps, in this case, his memorial statue should be relocated to a corner of the square rather than in its current dominant setting. But the important thing to do is to acknowledge and draw attention to the real history of both the man and his times.

At the time, Edward Cornwallis was being recognized and lauded by the narrow-minded WASP population of his day. Today, we know enough to draw a more accurate picture of both his strengths and limitations, so let us draw appropriate attention to them.

Why not, in such cases, mount a plaque nearby (or on the actual plinth of the monument), which tells the story as it really is and especially acknowledges the harm done to First Nations Mi’kmaq people and possibly others? In that way people would learn of his place in our history in an accurate setting.

If we are foolish enough to get rid of the statue and other references to Cornwallis, then we erase a part of our story which, like it or not, should be acknowledged for what it is. The same type of controversy, by the way, is currently being played out in Oxford, England with respect to Cecil Rhodes — he of Rhodes scholarship fame.

In these cases we should keep the historical figure in an appropriate setting, but make sure that the truth is told. If we do otherwise, we deny stories that future generations should surely learn if we are to live in an honest and democratic society.

If we fail, we sink to the level of nations such as Turkey which, to this day denies its role in the Armenian genocide. Eric Balkind, Gore Bay, Ont.

Naming neighbourhoods

Re What’s in a neighbourhood name? May 14 I always felt that developments were named for what had been destroyed to build them. Michael Monahan, Mulmur, Ont.