Mayor Walsh’s unilateral declaration to destroy the Columbus Monument does nothing for unity
Causing pain to one group of citizens doesn’t cure systemic problems. People cure systemic problems.
Mayoral administrations are fleeting. They come and go every eight years. So it is both presumptuous and short-sighted for this mayor to singularly decide what he feels is “best” for all of over the next century. The Columbus Monument and annual celebration remain important to thousands of people in Syracuse. This monument stands as a living symbol of immigrant pride, and Italian history in Central New York. It has been celebrated as such each and every year for ninety years. But for this mayor’s politically motivated intervention, it would continue for another century.
Those advocating removal of the statue offer that their intent is not to cause pain to the Italian community. However, we were very clear in the Action Committee meetings – and to the Mayor – that regardless of the intent, it would indeed cause pain.
We asked, how does consciously causing pain to one group of people just to satisfy another lead to healing or civic unity? Removal simply leads to a greater divide in our community, isolating the Italian American community from becoming an active part of a creative solution.
Our solution is to better recognize the oppressed populations in our community, and work to eliminate that oppression through art and learning.
Send a personal message to Mayor Walsh, telling him not to violate this important piece of public art. Email him at BWalsh@syrgov.net
