Destruction of historic symbols shows lack of respect

To the Editor:

The current practice of literally and figuratively destroying American historical symbols — Christopher Columbus, U.S. presidents, confederate statues; names of sports teams...”Indians”, “Colonials”; etc. — illustrates a lack of respect and a misunderstanding of the individuals, actions, and events that shaped our country.

For example:

Christopher Columbus was not a slave owner/ slave trader/ thief/ racist, nor did he commit genocide. He did prove it was possible to safely cross the Atlantic; his maps were used by Amerigo Vespucci, the explorer for whom America is named; the route Columbus charted in the 15th century is still used by sailors today.

On the other hand, the “indigenous” people of many eras were slave owners/cannibals/ engaged in bloody tribal wars and massacres.

George Washington, the “Father of our Country”, owned slaves as did Thomas Jefferson, the author of The Declaration of Independence which is celebrated on July 4.

President Abraham Lincoln issued The Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863, 21/2 years prior to Texas’ emancipation of slaves, which freed all slaves.

General Robert E. Lee, who was related to George Washington, was a top graduate of West Point; fought in the Mexican American War where he lauded as a skilled tactician; had mixed feelings about slavery; and did not support succession, but could not fight his own state of Virginia which succeeded from the Union.

Ulysses Grant married into a slave owning family, but was the general who finally defeated the Confederates and, as a U.S. president, called for allowing Black men to continue voting in the South.

The individuals, actions and events, the contributions and mistakes in American history cannot nor should not be changed or destroyed , nor judged in present times by tearing down statues and changing names. However, a thorough knowledge and understanding of historical fact can be the pertinent basis for implementing positive, intelligent and constructive actions and solutions in today’s world.

Judith Della Donna, Torrington