Removing Boston’s Lincoln Statue Is Moronic [OPINION]

Since 1879, a replica of the world-famous Emancipation Memorial, also known as the Emancipation Group and the Freedman’s Memorial, has sat in Park Square near the Boston Common. But now it's coming down to appease a bunch of ignorant and destructive protesters.

The original Emancipation Memorial stands in Washington, D.C. It was erected in 1876 by Thomas Ball of Boston to celebrate the freeing of slaves in America. Some are offended by the statue because they say it depicts a Black man kneeling before Lincoln. The Black man is not kneeling, but rising up out of bondage. Try explaining that to a self-righteous, government school-educated, university-indoctrinated protester.

Boston's arts commission voted unanimously this week to remove the statue. More than 12,000 signed a petition demanding that it be taken down.

"It hurts to look at this piece, and in the Boston landscape, we should not have works that bring shame to any groups of people,” said Ekua Holmes, vice-chairperson of the arts commission.

I am dumbfounded by the sheer ignorance of it all.

“After engaging in a public process, it’s clear that residents and visitors to Boston have been uncomfortable with this statue,” said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh in a statement. But rather than try to educate the public about the statue, which was paid for by former slaves, Walsh has endorsed its removal.

No date has been set to remove the Emancipation Memorial nor has its future been determined. It is reported the statue could be lent to a museum or just placed in storage.

The original Emancipation Memorial is under attack as well. The "peaceful protesters" are threatening to topple it. But unlike Mayor Walsh, President Trump, appreciating the value of the statue, has ordered it protected from the anarchists.

Removing the Emancipation Memorial is among the most ignorant and moronic decisions ever made in Boston. And that says a lot given the fact that the Massachusetts Legislature regularly meets there.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.