Can’t change past

Assuming the article on Aug. 18 about President Trump’s views on the removal of Confederate memorials is accurate, I support him completely. Removing the statues will not change the past. Nothing will change the past, but we can learn from it. Slavery was outlawed after the Civil War and as a country, we have moved forward.

The country today is very different with its opportunities for all people than it was in the 1860s. History should be taught — not ignored — so we can understand why changes were and are necessary.

Remember, that many other groups have reason to feel unfairly treated in the past — most notably the American Indians.

It is time, perhaps, to to have a realistic discussion about current racism and inequality, but that does not mean embracing either radical side of the issues. There will always be some people who harbor resentment toward others of a different color, sex, ethnicity, or religion, and removing statues, crosses, or other symbols will not change those attitudes.

Penny Lautzenheiser

Spokane