Here is a virulent quote from one of the most famous and influential white supremacists in American History —
I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races, that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And in as much as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied everything. I do not understand that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave I must necessarily want her for a wife. My understanding is that I can just let her alone.
Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln/Douglas Debate at Charleston, Illinois, September 18, 1858.
Should all monuments (beginning with the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC), all statutes, all names of cities and federal buildings, all laudatory tributes in the over 15,000 history books or novels, be destroyed and/or expunged from the public record? Should he be vilified and totally repudiated?
If not, why not?
The actions of this white supremacist led directly to the deaths of over 750,000 persons.
6:22 pm on August 5, 2019
