As a citizen of Cleveland, TN. I was disturbed to hear that a large number of people have signed a petition (led by Kelsey Osbourne) to remove (demolish) the Cleveland Monument at the intersection of Broad St, Ocoee St, and 8th St. This statue was created by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Cleveland’s history in 3 parts: Founding Father, Confederate history, and Union history. 

 

The 1910 memorial dedicated to Cleveland, TN and its’ history of both divisional Unionism and Confederate beliefs. The town was divided in the War Between the States on their political stance, but was otherwise isolated from the rest of the county by the war. This monument represents the best qualities of both sides. The monument actually has a US and Confederate flag on the back of it, representing this. It’s actually a type of collage of Cleveland’s founder, Confederate History, and Union history; to call it solely Confederate is inaccurate. The Confederacy is very much a part of Cleveland’s history and the fight’s happening north and south of the city. This monument has never caused racial/political problems in the 110 years it has stood. Removing this will only anger those who stand with it and create problems that are non-existent. We should never disgrace our ancestors but rather honor them (Proverbs 22:28-Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set). My family alongside African-Confederate Marlboro Jones who fought for the GA-40th regiment under a Confederate Congress law passed in 03/13-1865, allowing all slaves in the CSA to be RECRUITED AND FREED, but only with his or her consent. The attitude and qualities of Cleveland, TN are unmatched anywhere else, our heritage and history have propelled us to be a good people. Most CSA history has never been accurately written or taught, in fact, the actual records were burned in the capital in Richmond in 1865 while the city was under siege. So all that’s left was what the soldiers brought back home and what has been taught down through the generations; thus further reinforcing an old truth “The winner gets to tell the story”. We cannot let ill-minded people with poor knowledge dictate how we live our lives and what we decide to honor. Those who know the true history, are the good people who’s actions show by the way they treat others, reinforcing the truth that Confederate heritage is that of God-fearing, loyal, family-oriented, and hard-working people of all color and religion. In 1865 the union implemented the system of segregation amongst its’ soldiers and freedman, while the CSA integrated their soldiers. 

 

The people pushing for this monument to be removed know enough about the subject of the Confederacy and American history to think they’re right, but not enough about it, to know they’re wrong. 

 

Lee University sends students as a requirement to places like Europe, in which, they keep history around. Even if they hate their history or don’t necessarily agree with it, they don’t erase it (ignorantly) like we do in American culture. They keep it on display in modern settings to show the progress and that that not all history defines who they are, but at the same time, their character came/shaped from that. 

 

The citizen-soldiers who fought for the Confederacy personified the best qualities of America. The preservation of liberty and freedom was the motivating factor in the South’s decision to fight the Second American Revolution. The tenacity with which Confederate soldiers fought underscored their belief in the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These attributes are the underpinning of our democratic society and represent the foundation on which this nation was built.

 

I ask those who have lived in Cleveland their whole lives and/or grew up here (like myself); who truly love living here; those who know Cleveland’s history; and those who are tired of seeing our beliefs, culture, heritage, way of life, and our image  under attack by outsiders to sign this petition to help preserve our culture. 

 

The town of Cleveland, TN started divided but not hostile, but yet, we’ve always made it work to where everyone feels welcome and safe in our town. And I for one, will not stand by a movement aimed at Lee University students who are transients and don’t live here, nor grew up here or know it’s history. It’s our town and we love it. 

 

Racism is a disease that by sin comes as a nature of the flesh, but is only combated on an individual basis; racism is a completely personal decision. I stand with our African-American citizens, I apologize (as a white man) for white cultures’ incompatibilities and prejudice, I listened and will act upon ensuring that equality is a way of life and is a non-negotiable discipline. ALL LIVES MATTER DOES NOT MATTER UNTIL BLACK LIVES MATTER. I demand justice for George Floyd and my prayers are with his family and every African-American family that have to raise their children in a world (not just the US) where they have to fight harder, watch their backs, not trust anyone, and fear any type of law-enforcement. Yes, there’s a difference between black/white culture, and no shame that there are differences, but I’m ashamed that African-American families have to raise their children differently based on how they should approach their life and life choice, and then they’re subjected to a depressed view of life, thus not giving them the equality to a future they deserve. 

 

So if you’re a Cleveland citizen and you love this city and it’s people. Sign this petition. 

 

Note: If you disagree with Black Lives Matter and/or the Confederate heritage, don’t sign it.