In ancient times, faces of former rulers were chiseled off of monuments in an attempt to change history. In recent times, antiquities in Palmyra were destroyed by ISIS.
Now, we are destroying monuments in the South because some are offended by them. What’s next? Should we blow up Stone Mountain, where prominent Confederate leaders are immortalized in stone? Should we bulldoze federal parks where victories for the South occurred? Where does it end? Will the Vietnam Veterans Memorial be torn down because some believe we should have never been there?
No person or group should be allowed to become the history police. It is important to preserve all history and not just that which is politically correct at the moment. It’s said, if you don’t remember the past, you are bound to repeat its mistakes.
It’s time to stop trying to rewrite history. The past is what it is. You can’t change or rewrite it, no matter how hard you try or what monuments you destroy.
Maybe we shouldn’t build monuments at all. That way, we won’t have to tear them down in the future.
JOE IMHOF
Oak Harbor
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Children lose with loss of 5 teachers
I am deeply saddened by the response of Washington Local Schools to the incident involving five teachers and two tutors who chose to have an alcoholic drink with dinner while working at a sixth-grade camp (May 26, ‘‘5 Washington Local teachers resign amid district probe”).
Who among us has never made a poor choice? It happens. We are human, and we are not perfect. The penalty is unusually harsh for these teachers. They have records of being good at their jobs. They made one mistake, and it may end their careers. It is a loss for them, and it is a loss for their families. But most of all, it is a loss for the children they taught and nurtured, as well as the children who will miss that opportunity.
Teachers teach because they love children, not for the pay. With the amount of education they have, they could make more money in the business world. In the real world, people keep their jobs after DUIs or being busted for drugs. They are offered rehabilitation and return to their jobs.
These teachers were offered no second chance. Teachers are held to a standard that no other job expects. I see a day in the future when no one will be willing to teach.
KRIS HOUSTIN
Lambertville, Mich.
Comey firing looks suspicious
President Trump fires the FBI director, who was investigating ties between him and the Russian government. He then posts a “threat” on Twitter to warn James Comey.
I recall an inconsequential investigation years ago that involved tapes, Richard Nixon, and the Watergate break-in. I wonder if Mr. Trump was worried that Mr. Comey was getting close to uncovering the truth.
JACK SNYDER
Erie, Mich.
First Published June 1, 2017, 4:00 a.m.
