Gainesville FL Confederate memorial removed

[struggle4progress]

Updated 2:15 pm, Monday, August 14, 2017

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) ... Sounds of a jackhammer echoed in downtown Gainesville as workers tore out the foundation of the statue known as "Old Joe" after local authorities decided to move it from outside the Alachua County Administration Building. The statue was put on a truck and hauled away.

The statue's removal had been in the works for months after protests and several failed attempts to relocate it. It was unclear if the work was hastened by violent protests surrounding the removal of a Confederate statue in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend.

The statue is being returned to the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which erected it in 1904. County spokesman Mark Sexton said officials do not know where the statue will go ...

http://www.newcanaannewsonline.com/news/crime/article/Confederate-memorial-park-in-Florida-vandalized-11817471.php

[mcar]

1. Good

This is what needs to happen. Quickly.

[procon]

2. I'd like to see those statues melted down and repurposed.

Brass could be used to make grand bells that would by rung throughout the cities of the south to celebrate American holidays. Make belt buckles, door knockers, name plates, sculptures, stripper poles, whatever, and use the profits for good works projects.

Take all those marble and granite plinths and bases and cut them into slabs then sell them for countertops, furniture and flooring.

[Phoenix61]

3. I grew up in Gainesville

The University of Florida is located there so it's a pretty liberal place.... surrounded by hard core conservatives.

[kairos12]

4. Makes me proud to be a Gator Alum.

[FLPanhandle]

5. Hey there fellow Gator!

Unfortunately Richard Spencer is coming to our campus.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/office-of-the-president-at-university-of-florida/potential-speaker-on-campus/1392981254143896/

Dear Campus Community,

The National Policy Institute has reached out to the university to reserve space for a speaking event featuring white nationalist and “alt-right” activist Richard Spencer on September 12.

Per university regulation 2.004, non-university groups, organizations and persons may rent space on campus, provided they cover rental expenses and security costs like all other third-party renters.

UF administration, staff and campus police are developing a security plan for the potential event and are working with colleagues across the country who have had similar events on their campus.

For many in our community, including myself, this speaker’s presence would be deeply disturbing. What we’ve watched happen in Charlottesville, VA. in the last 24 hours, is deplorable. I again denounce all statements and symbols of hate. The University of Florida is a community of learners, educators and scholars. We encourage open and honest dialogue, and we strive to build an inclusive environment where hate is not welcome.

While this speaker’s views do not align with our values as an institution, we must follow the law, upholding the First Amendment not to discriminate based on content and provide access to a public space.

Though we have a responsibility as a public university, we also have a vital duty to our students, faculty and staff to uphold our educational mission.

Instead of allowing hateful speech to tear us down, I urge our campus community to join together, respect one another and promote positive speech, while allowing for differing opinions. These types of groups want media attention. I encourage our campus community to send a message of unity by not engaging with this group and giving them more media attention for their message of intolerance and hate.

It is up to every student, faculty member, staff member, and myself to demonstrate our university values of respect and inclusion in all that we do. We have an opportunity to lead the way.

We will continue to keep you updated as more information develops through email and our information line: 1-866-UF-Facts.

Warm Regards,
W. Kent Fuchs
President, University of Florida

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I know UF and these guys will not find a warm welcome.

[kairos12]

6. Thanks fellow Gator for the info. Disturbing. I will

call the University.