Letter: Repurpose the Vance Monument

Graphic by Lori Deaton

Regarding the Vance Monument, I don’t care how great a governor Zebulon Vance was. He was just on the wrong side of history when it came to slavery. The stone monument that was erected in his name is a very powerful representation on its own, so I believe the city and county ought to embrace the obelisk and repurpose it for a monument that stands for freedom and rights for every citizen who breathes the air of this nation.

We should never forget the nasty history this country has gone through, but perhaps the monument can be a representation of what this country can strive to be when it includes everyone. And where the Vance logo is now should be placed a plaque to say as much.

— David Tomlin
Asheville

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7 thoughts on “Letter: Repurpose the Vance Monument

  1. Lou

    As a woman, I am fed up with the constant barrage of phallic objects intended to honor and admire the male form. Men in general have been an overwhelming cancer on this planet and society. Let’s get women and people of color involved in this decision. I would encourage a small community garden or a shelter for the homeless. Let’s do something practical with the space.

    • bsummers

      I’m gonna tell your Dad, Lou.

      “Let’s get women and people of color involved in this decision”

      Even the carcinogenic ones?

      • Lou

        Sure B, why not. They can’t possibly do any more damage than the old conservative men trying their best to hang on by a thread.

    • NFB

      The Energy Loop serves as the vaginal contrast to the Vance phallic object. Where have you been?

      • bsummers

        Shirley you know the Loop was moved out of the park years ago, across the street to the boring, powerless part of downtown. Oppressor.

  2. Big Al

    Shrouding the monument to appease protestors is an act of political cowardice.

    But hey, with all of the graffiti, and businesses closed by the protests and the pandemic, downtown Asheville is ugly enough already, what is one more wart?

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