Dear Editor,

In response to the April 7 Times Observer article, “Statue proposal receives frosty reception,” the foolishness of revisionist history could use an explanation. The article noted “Washington’s history as a slave owner” as a reason not to erect a statue of him.

Washington was a slave owner as were a huge number of persons worldwide. Washington became uneasy owning slaves, and his actions may have been the beginning of the end of slavery in the U.S. He was a leader in the emancipation of his personal slaves.

Per mountvernon.org:

“In his will, written several months before his death in December 1799, George Washington left directions for the emancipation of all the slaves that he owned, after the death of Martha Washington.

“Washington was not the only Virginian to make provisions to free his slaves during this period. In 1782, toward the end of the American Revolution, the Virginia legislature made it legal for slave holders to manumit their slaves, without a special action of the governor and council. In accordance with state law, George Washington stipulated in his will that elderly slaves or those who were too sick to work were to be supported throughout their lives by his estate. Children without parents, or those whose families were unable to see to their education were to be bound out to masters and mistresses who would teach them reading, writing, and a useful trade, until they were ultimately freed at the age of twenty-five. Washington’s will stated that he took these charges to his executors very seriously: ‘And I do moreover most pointedly, and most solemnly enjoin it upon my Executors…to see that this clause respecting Slaves, and every part thereof be religiously fulfilled at the Epoch at which it is directed to take place; without evasion, neglect or delay, after the Crops which may then be on the ground are harvested, particularly as it respects the aged and infirm.’

The haughtiness that Washington was a bad person overlooking what he did for this country is disdainful. He certainly earned the respect of a statue in his memory. However, I agree, that today, the money can be better spent on something more practical as we face recession.

Daniel Reiff,

Warren