Every day, as a resident of our town, I drive past a grotesque reminder of unimaginable pain and suffering—a golden statue of a known child rapist, standing boldly on a public sidewalk. It is utterly disgusting and disturbing, and our town shouldn't have to endure this public display of mockery towards victims of child abuse and sexual trafficking. This isn't just about discomfort; it's about protecting the integrity and safety of our public spaces from glorifying such abhorrent figures.

The finished statue, a 15 ft golden likeness of president trump, resides with the person who commissioned it. The life size scale model, also completely gold, resides on the public sidewalk, outside the artists studio. The artist, who has done beautiful bronze artwork, is a cherished community member. He should be open to receiving the criticism of this particular peice. He should be willing to move such a controversial tribute inside his studio where it can be toured at leasure. 

The artist behind this statue undoubtedly has a right to express himself, but that right does not extend to imposing this expression upon our community, rubbing salt in the wounds of those who have suffered at the hands of child predators. This statue does not belong on our public sidewalks where unwitting passersby, including children and those who've experienced similar trauma, are confronted with it on a daily basis.

We propose a simple solution: relocate the statue indoors, specifically to the artist's studio. This location is entirely within his rights to display his work. Visitors can choose to see it if they wish to, removing the forced interaction that currently exists. Moreover, this move respects both the artist's freedom of expression and the community's peace and respect for victims.

According to statistics from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18. Placing such statues in public view creates a hostile environment for these individuals, reminding them of their abuse and potentially causing distress. This is not a trivial matter—it's a significant public concern that requires immediate attention.

By moving the statue indoors, we can collectively acknowledge the rights of artists while also prioritizing the healing and safety of survivors. This is not just about a statue—it's about the community and its values. Let's take a stand together to make sure our town doesn't become a tribute to historic child predators.

Please, join me in urging the artist to move this offensive statue inside his studio, where it can be viewed by choice. Sign this petition today to advocate for a community that respects and protects its most vulnerable. Your signature could make all the difference.