I noted with considerable interest the front page feature, CAN THERE BE A MIDDLE GROUND? and the Guest Comment column, ’History of Talbot Boys Monument tied to Gettysburg Reunion of 1913’ in yesterday’s Star Democrat.
To me, the unity memorial proposal and resolution drafted by Councilwoman Laura Price makes a lot of sense, is worthy of our support and should be adopted promptly. While there are many distortions/false narratives behind the move the monument group’s arguments, it is quite apparent Mr. Callahan has done both his homework and sound due diligence. To me, the greatest distortion and disservice to all Talbot Citizens is attempting to re-write the history of over 100 years ago through the lens of current events. The good citizens of Talbot County, over the decades, have donated and contributed mightily to making Talbot one of the best places to live in the USA. The MtM coalition has lost all credibility for publicly making unfounded and false accusations. All around us in Talbot County many real 21st century issues need to be addressed that affect the lives of real 21st century citizens. On them our elected officials should concentrate. Adopt and implement the Unity Monument proposal—and move on.
Paul D. Denton
Easton
William Charles Keppen says
From my perspective, I do not see how Easton can display a memorial to those that fought for slavery on public, tax payer paid for ground. Call me crazy, but how can that ever lead to unity between so many members of our community? Observations of a white person from Wisconsin who moved to Maryland in 1997 and to the Eastern Shore/Easton, in 1999.
Joan Young says
If people feel there is a need for a unity monument, then build it wherever you would be moving the current statue. The courthouse lawn is not the place for it.
Jim Richardson says
Unfortunately, for members of the Preserve Talbot History coalition as well as others that support a unity statue, (a statue according to Laura Price’s proposal that would depict two soldiers, one from each side of the war and standing side-by-side, each with their own flag), there would remain one sticky element – that of the Confederate flag, the most recognizable symbol of racism, white supremacy, and division in our country today. How would the supporters of such a “unity monument “ reconcile that element, or should we just all close our eyes?
Paul says
Jim, Its is interesting how you and your supporters “side step” the fact that the Unity monument would give recognition and honor to all of Talbot’s black ancestors who fought for the Union in the USCT regiments. Their names would be on the monument along with the rest of those who fought.
Hopefully additional markers will be included telling the patriotic history of Talbot’s freemen, and men who earned freedom by their service, along with information pertaining to the denial of Talbot citizens Constitutional rights.
Just as you and the Move the Monument group were grossly negligent by failing to conduct any basic due diligence before repeatedly making false public statements about the history of this monument, you are doing exactly the same now. Wow!
You and your group have “parroted” talking point of the SPLC from Montgomery Alabama without even considering if those accusations apply to the actual history of Talbot and this monument. You have manipulated the kind hearted citizens of this county by publicly stating propaganda as “facts” only for the purpose of furthering your agenda of how we must “heal” after we acknowledge the past that your group attempted to dictate to us.
If you truly believe that history should be manipulated to further the betterment of a society, may I suggest you try living in another country that’s more in line with your beliefs? China, Russia, North Korea and Cuba are a few that come to mind.
Rev Julie Hart says
Mr Denton,
History is always being re-written and re-interpreted as it must. Otherwise we would not have all the many contributions that the Black and Brown Communities AND Women have brought to us.
As a member of the “MtM coalition” I take exception that we have lost all credibility by making unfounded and false accusations. I do not believe any of us are liars. I have made a few suggestions; one I thought was very good. MtM to the Confederate section of historic Springhill Cemetery. Rev. Merrill gave me that inspiration by providing some historic facts about Confederate Soldiers… I’m reading, listening, and learning. I feel that we are having open discussion, sharing of ideas, and heart felt feelings. I don’t think anyone is intending to be misleading. And history will continue to be re-interpreted, as it should. Does that make it unfounded or false? Only through the lens of time and perspective can we ‘try’ to look back objectively. We may even be blessed with an eventual solution.
Rev Julie Hart
GERARD MARCONI says
There are also distortions and false narratives in the arguments of those who want to keep such a divisive monument in front of the county court house. The most disturbing 21st century issue in Talbot County today is that many find it so offensive but their voices are not being listened to. By displaying the last Confederate monument in the state of Maryland so prominently we are also projection a negative image to the rest of the state and the entire country.
Katherine Marconi says
The proposal for a unity monument is rooted in white exceptionalism because it ignores our history of slavery in Talbot County and the ongoing discrimination against those who are not considered “white.” We cannot have reconciliation by papering over the horrendous harm that slavery caused right here in Talbot County. The proposed unity monument would be an insult to all but the remaining few who believe that the Civil War was not grounded in the economic and political strengths that slavery provided. It’s message would be that the North and South both fought for legitimate causes. The legitimacy of slavery was an issue in the civil war that reached into Talbot County. Economic and social racial disparities are an ongoing problem in the country today. Rather than honor Confederate Soldiers, let us unit behind equality for all of our citizens. If we need a statue at the courthouse, then highlight the contemporary diversity and contributions of our many communities.
Katherine Marconi says
The proposal for a unity monument is rooted in white exceptionalism because it ignores our history of slavery in Talbot County and the ongoing discrimination against those who are not considered “white.” We cannot have reconciliation by papering over the horrendous harm that slavery caused right here in Talbot County and the men who fought because they believed in slavery. The proposed unity monument would be an insult to all but the remaining few who believe that the Civil War was not grounded in the economic and political strengths that slavery provided. It’s message would be that the North and South both fought for equally legitimate causes. Their causes were not equal. Economic and social racial disparities existed when the Talbot Boys statue was built and they are an ongoing problem in the country today.
Rather than honor Confederate Soldiers, let us unit behind equality for all of our citizens. If we need a statue at the courthouse, then highlight the contemporary diversity and contributions of our many communities today. Lets have a forward looking statue, rather than argue over a statue that includes those who fought for slavery.
Mary Hunt-Miller says
To suggest that someone with a different point of view should leave the country and live in an authoritarian led country is beneath civil discourse. Mr. Richardson’s views are held by a many people in this county and the country. Does the writer who suggests that Mr. Richardson leave the country believe that all people who think that the Confederate monument should be moved off public courthouse property also leave our country? This statement is not respectful of the diverse points of view that make up America. Like it or not, we are all Americans even when we disagree.