The items found on this blog were written during the past few years and strictly reflect my own opinions. Because these articles deal with difficult issues they are bound to be controversial. They reflect my personal analysis based on the limited information that I have. I am certainly no expert and fully respect different opinions. Difficult issues would not be difficult if there were clear-cut answers. Although you will see in reading some of my material, I don't like being pigeonholed with a label, I will admit to being politically independent with a tendency to be more conservative fiscally and slightly more liberal with regard to social issues. Having lived through the 1940's, I have a great appreciation for the sacrifices made by our armed forces and, in fact, all Americans during World War II. The greatness of this country shone bright as we rehabilitated and rebuilt our enemies after winning that war. I am very patriotic and proud of our country. While we are far from perfect, we're not as far from that ideal as most other countries in the world.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Stuart’s Thoughts 8/18/2017

Removing Symbols of History - Let’s Get Real!


The current urge by some to tear down statues of historic figures in the U.S. reminds me of the destruction of antiquities taking place in the Middle East by Al Queda and ISIS.  Two facts are clear.  Practices and beliefs of the past are often not accepted in todays world.  However, that being said, that is the history of mankind and removing those reminders will not change history.

Cultural relativism is a well-known concept and simply means that one culture should not judge another culture by their own values and standards.  Similarly, one could refer to “temporal relativism” in terms of using today’s standards to judge past practices.  Certainly, today nearly everyone would agree that slavery is wrong but 200 years ago that practice was viewed much differently.  Even George Washington owned slaves.  Should we disavow him as the “Father of our Country” and maybe we should even rename Washington, DC.  I don’t think so.  There is plenty of intellectual space to acknowledge his owning of slaves as wrong by current standards but also accept his importance in creating the great nation we are today where the whole concept of slavery is totally rejected.

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