Today, in Charlottesville, VA, where a fellow human being was recently murdered by a white supremacist, the statues of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson — Charlottesville’s last remaining Confederates monuments — stand proudly no more. But here, here in beloved Talbot County, not so.
No, the “Lucky Few” continue to have and to hold sway, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, a Confederate Monument for “All” to enjoy. Our very own “Boys,” — a green embryo, floating in the formaldehyde of history. Preserved. Life-
Keith Alan Watts
Tilghman Island
Anne Stalfort says
Love this!
Jim Richardson says
As most of the country tries to come to grips with its racist history, three members of the Talbot County Council, Price, Divilio and Callahan, refuse to face our county’s white supremacy past. With their heads stuck in the sand, they continue to repeat the same old tiresome mantra that those who want the statue removed, want to erase Talbot’s history. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Talbot County citizens that want the statue removed fully understand the history that produced this racist symbol. We are only asking that it be removed from the front lawn of a government building that guarantees fair and equitable treatment to ALL its citizens. Like other county and city governments, the council members need to take it down and place it in storage until a more suitable place can be found. Do we really want our county to be known to our visitors as the last Maryland county to have a Confederate statue on public land?
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Mr. Watts. Who are these “Lucky Few” you refer to? The “Talbot Boys” will be removed. A process. Patience required.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Mr. Watts, What was the process used in Charlottesville that led to the removal of the two statues? Could such a process be used here for removal of the “Talbot Boys”?
Eva M. Smorzaniuk, MD says
In a nutshell: Charlottesville city council votes to remove the Lee statue in 2017. “Unite the Right” rally descends on the town in August 2017. City sued by group claiming Charlottesville has no right to remove statue. Circuit court rules in their favor. VA supreme court overturns circuit court ruling April 2019. City council votes to remove Stonewall statues. Statues come down.
Michael Estrella says
Stirring pots doesn’t seem to be your strong suit. I have witnessed your attempts with about a half dozen poster over the past few weeks and have yet to see success…but, you are tenacious!
Kate LaMotte says
Spot on, Mr. Watts … Baltimore, New Orleans, Richmond, Charlottesville and others – but not Talbot County. Shameful. The irony is that as much as the “Boys” should be removed from our courthouse lawn, it seems no other likely site wants it, as it has nether historical nor artistic value.
Michael Davis says
Great letter Mr. Watts.
Even Richmond, the very heart and soul of the Confederacy, has enough sense to get rid of their monuments to the Confederacy.
In the next election for the Council, we need single-issue voters. Price, Divilio, and Callahan should be voted out of office for their support of the monument honoring the Confederate States of America (CSA). No other foreign country killed more Americans on American soil than the CSA. Apparently, Price, Divillio, and Callahan don’t care.
Paul Callahan says
Mike, May I suggest a good book or two about the US Civil War?
The majority of Talbot countians view the Talbot Boys as a memorial to our ancestors and not to the confederacy.
There is a huge difference between a General on his horse an an unarmed boy atop a marker remembering Talbot’s ancestors.
A general riding in triumph and a boy holding his flag in a position of submission. Can you see the difference?
If you can’t see the difference – why is that?
Henry Herr says
I’d love to read these books that say that Confederate statues deserve to be on courthouse grounds. I’d also love to see evidence that “The majority of Talbot countians view the Talbot Boys as a memorial to our ancestors and not to the confederacy.”
Also, is there any reference that indicates the color bearer statue is in a position of submission? Or is that just your opinion?
I’d love to read your references, just let me know!
Eva M. Smorzaniuk, MD says
Agree with above. Concrete references are noticeably absent from the Preserve Talbot County website, as well.
Mr..Callahan, please provide source data!
Paul Callahan says
Your source data of the accusations against these men are? Non existent.
The source data that have rebutted the MtM accusations are right on the PTH website.Actual documents are right there for you to review.
Please explain how your group’s assigning “guilt by association” against these men is any different then a police officer assuming “guilt by association” to a man because he is black and from the inner city?
They are all guilty because they are confederate, black, Jewish, Muslim, Latino, liberal – – – (fill in the blank)