Trump takes advantage of a popular misconception about racism -- that it is something held in the heart. In reality it is a system of oppression that promotes power and privilege.
Regardless of the nuances of Robert E. Lee's behavior and historical context, his statues represent white supremacy, and that's why they must be taken down. Ultimately, Lee's legacy is the defense of enslavement.
Peter White is a former USFS smokejumper, surfer, and has covered two wars and three civil conflicts on four continents. He has written anchor copy and produced news for a number of foreign networks, NBC, ABC, PBS. NPR and a number of print media outlets including The New York Times and San Francisco Examiner. He lives in Nashville with his two sons.
