Month: March 2022

The Mayor of Genova Marco Bucci says enough is enough and is pushing back on cancel culture. In a recently published article in il Secolo XIX, the Genovese newspaper, Bucci expressed his disappointment in American mayors who have removed Christopher Columbus statues in their cities. Bucci has written personal letters to revisionist mayors.

In the article, Bucci states, “It is totally unacceptable and I will not give in to cancel culture, especially when it concerns one of our illustrious fellow citizens”. In addition, the City of Genova, in collaboration with the Fondazione Casa America, will be financing a learning center at Palazzo Ducale in Genova, dedicated to Christopher Columbus. The center will be a place for dialogue, exhibits, events and a place to view digital archives related to Columbus and his expeditions.

Dear Mr. Mayor,
I write to you as a concerned citizen and enthusiastic amateur historian. 

Regarding the former, I am concerned that the city not spend any more tax payer dollars on fighting Judge Neri’s fair decision regarding the Columbus Monument. There are so many better ways in which our valuable resources could be used (modernizing our antiquated garbage system, providing better bus transportation, using those same lawyers to bring slum lords who ignore city rules to court –  to name a few). This is not a fight worth pursuing.

As a lover of history, I appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of the statue itself. I also have read about the prejudice Italians in Syracuse faced and the story of raising money to erect this symbol of pride in the community. It would be a shame to erase this just because during our present moment in history Columbus is regarded as a villain. If we were to only preserve statues of flawless historical characters there would be not one left standing.

It is a mistake to attempt to take down the Columbus Monument. The judge has ruled and it is time to move on to more worthwhile pursuits.
Thanks for your time,

Susannah Park

https://www.syracuse.com/news/2022/03/syracuse-mayor-ben-walsh-cant-remove-downtown-christopher-columbus-statue-judge-rules.html

The courts have ruled that the Ben Walsh cannot take down the historic Syracuse Columbus Monument. Our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your help, support, faith, pride and courage to stand.  Our legal team (all pro bono) did a fantastic job, and will likely now be sought by other groups like ours to help save their local monuments.

Time for everyone to come together and pursue the additive approach to Syracuse’s public art. Enough taxpayer money has been wasted. Let’s put it to good use.

https://usukraine.org