A shocking 40% of Democrats recently approved a proposal in New York City that would tear down statues of our first president, George Washington, according to Rasmussen Reports. Thankfully, the survey also found that 82% of likely voters have a favorable impression of Washington overall — but even this number is far too low for one of the most honorable men in American history and the father of our country.
Washington was famously described as “the indispensable man” by historian James Flexner for his role in the American Revolution and the founding of our country. Throughout his life, Washington showed courage both on the battlefield and in the political arena. He led a ragtag group of farmers and militiamen against the greatest military power in the world, and he relied on his faith in God to help him inspire his men never to give up in the fight for independence.
Washington stands in a league of his own, and his life story has provided an example for generations of Americans to emulate in their own lives. His bravery, honesty, loyalty, and faith rank him among the most honorable men to have ever existed. His actions helped deliver so many of the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy to this day.
It should be shocking to all of us that such a significant portion of our fellow citizens would want to tear down the statues and denigrate the memory of such a monumental figure in our history.
A people’s history forms their identity, and their identity forms the very basis of their beliefs. It should be no surprise that the radicals on the Left want to tear these things down because that would tear down our country’s very foundations — and leave the ideologues with a blank slate to start anew.
My organization, the American Cornerstone Institute, started the Little Patriots program as an answer to this challenge. Little Patriots is an American history program for elementary-aged children that tells the truth of American history — free from bias or political ideology. By telling children the whole story of our past, warts and all, we can equip them to better understand that while we are not perfect, our country and our founding principles remain among the greatest human achievements in the history of the world.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
As citizens, we all have the duty to stand up for truth and confront falsehood when we see it, including in our everyday lives.
It will take each one of us to accomplish this task — but if there is one thing American history has taught us, it’s that our people are courageous and will never back down from a challenge. With examples like Washington to guide us, I have full faith that our country will do what’s right.
Dr. Ben Carson serves as founder and chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute.
