Tell history honestly with reverence and reservation

Re: “Problematic pioneer statues,” July 7 commentary

The author, Cynthia Prescott, identifies what she considers yet another concern for reflection for the American citizen wishes to recognize his/her heritage. She suggests these monuments honoring what we consider westward expansion adventurers “are just as problematic as Confederate and conquistador statues.”

How does Prescott help us to better understand what the inevitable historical march of civilization means?

Populations and cultures grow and change for many reasons. Uninhabited lands and unmapped boundaries are altered or expanded. Nations battled, unaffiliated hordes and explorers sent by leaders and monarchs opened up territories during recorded history.

Our entire populated planet experienced upheavals, invasions, usurpations, alterations of borders and the reordering of ethnic majorities and minorities. Such occurred in America.

Are we then as a country to be forever relentlessly mired in accusation and culpability? We tell our story honestly with both reverence and reservation, but the greater good should be honored and preserved.

Neiel Baronberg,