In the novel “1984” there was an attempt to control the present by changing the past. History was changed so those in power were always the good guys, and any deviation of that message was unacceptable and punished.
It looks like author George Orwell was writing an instruction manual for 2020 rather than a warning about the recklessness and dangers of this behavior.
We have seen statues fall in Alabama, and more will.
Statues to the Confederate cause are easy targets. They should be removed from public squares and courthouse steps legally.
Statues to individuals are far more complicated.
Was Robert E. Lee a monster?
Does Nathan Bedford Forest have no redeeming qualities post-Ku Klux Klan involvement?
Some would argue they both are irredeemable and that a conversation should be had, but that’s not what this is.
Does my beloved Fort Jackson, where I did basic training, need to be renamed, along with other military installations as U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) demands?
We are watching Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, the memorial honoring the unknown soldiers of the Revolutionary War all being targeted as well.
That is embarrassing lunacy by a mob run wild and drunk with power.
But allow me to offer a solution that will make many people on both sides of this issue unhappy, proving it is the best idea out there.
Let’s rename the offensive buildings, military installations and the like with “problematic” namesakes after people of the same surname.
There are some folks who have had similar thoughts, but they changed the name completely.
In 1986, King County in Washington changed its namesake from Alabamian Rufus King to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rufus King was a former vice president, a senator from Alabama and a slaveowner. His connection to Washington was sketchy at best. The county was named after him because the county was chartered after he became vice president.
Robert E. Lee High School? How about Robert E. Lee and Harper Lee High School?
Jefferson Davis High School? How about Jefferson Davis and Viola Davis High School?
The George Washington Memorial? How about the George Washington and Booker T. Washington Memorial?
John C. Calhoun Community College? How about John C. Calhoun and William “Haystack” Calhoun Community College?
Andrew Jackson Way? How about Andrew Jackson and Dale Jackson Way?
This solution allows the entities to remain their historical names and allows others to be honored.
As I said, no one will like this idea, meaning it is a great one that should be implemented everywhere.
Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 7-11 AM weekdays on WVNN.
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