Letter writer: History (and Vance) shouldn’t be subject to current approval

Graphic by Lori Deaton

The opinion expressed by the [letter] writer in your March 30 issue [“Remove Vance’s Name From Downtown Monument,” Xpress] sounds like that of the ISIS gang in the Mideast. She states that Vance’s name should be removed from the Vance Monument because he was typical of many in his time, i.e., he owned slaves.

ISIS has destroyed many precious archaeological sites because they disapprove of anything and anybody who disagrees with them. Your [letter] writer sure sounds like a member of the ISIS cult. Does she want the sculptures of Washington and Jefferson blasted off the face of Mount Rushmore?

History should be left alone to be understood and appreciated. It should not be a matter of current approval. Some of us respect Vance.

— George H. Cooper
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

5 thoughts on “Letter writer: History (and Vance) shouldn’t be subject to current approval

  1. The Real World

    Yes George, I agree. It’s so obvious, isn’t it?

    But, we have many, many in this country who believe they have cornered the market on all things “right”. And, in addition to their extreme intolerance of anything other than their way, they believe they are entitled to rewrite history. Which qualifies as the epitome of small-minded arrogance.

    • bsummers

      But, we have many, many in this country who believe they have cornered the market on all things “right”.

      Hey, lay off the authors and supporters of HB2.

      • Peter Robbins

        You changed my mind on this, Barry, when you pointed out that “vance” means bedbugs in Yiddish. Now I say leave the monument alone and let everyone remember the man’s legacy in his own way.

  2. Maybe the answer is to make that monument more inclusive. Why limit the honor to Vance? His intellectual descendants are still with us, preaching state’s rights and shafting minorities at every opportunity. Instead of singling out one practitioner, let’s recognize the impulse that drives them: white conservative domination. Rename the monument the White ConDom and let it stand as a caution to us all.

  3. Jan

    While I agree his name should not be removed, I’ll also find the sort of excuse that others did the same or something similar washes him free of guilt as not correct.
    He did good and he did bad, so both should de addressed.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.