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Congressman Jeff Van Drew Statement on the Destruction of Historical Statues

Contact: Scott Weldon (202)225-6572

Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew issued a statement regarding the destruction of historical and religious statues across America. Congressman Van Drew is also supportive of pending legislative or executive action to protect statues from being vandalized or destroyed on Federal property. Many statues and murals are on private or state/locally owned land which might not have the same protections.

On a daily basis, violent mobs tear down statues with which they have grievances, many times with impunity. A leading activist is even calling for the removal of depictions of Jesus Christ from churches, based on the portrayal of his skin color.

“Statues and murals depicting historical figures, and even Jesus Christ himself, are being targeted by angry mobs of individuals looking to rewrite history,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Our history is imperfect, but it has laid the groundwork for the greatest experiment in democracy the world has ever known: America. We must protect our history—because we are doomed to repeat it if we don’t understand it and work towards a more perfect union.”

“To the governors and locally elected officials who are standing by idly or, even worse, promoting the destruction of history, I say to you-- mob rule knows no political parties or boundaries— flaccid leadership in the face of adversity should earn you nothing but scorn.”

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