Looking back over the last 250 years of America’s paradoxical inclinations on racial equality and “justice for all,” the indisputable truth remains: we are a nation whose citizens are psychologically damaged because of racism and the vestiges of slavery.
Perhaps it’s this sickness emanating from the soil that explains why the current inhabitant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is so determined to promote and produce an alternative history.
But a child in primary school, even if they’re unable to understand the motivation behind this ignoble quest, can see through the lies.
In the president’s most recent attack on American history, he has targeted the Smithsonian, issuing an executive order that requires the posting of signs outside of all Smithsonian institutions that warn visitors about “inaccurate” exhibits that depict American history.
He further directs people about where they can find “accurate information.” Where that may be, we cannot say.
But how is providing an objective, factually based chronicle of our nation’s story harboring any sentiments of anti-American bias? If American society is to move forward toward the advancement of ideas which foster social justice, we cannot ignore the facts — no matter how much the truth may hurt.
Still, the Trump administration maintains its belief that the museum is veering “toward extreme political activism, rooted in Marxism, to divide, dispirit, and discourage Americans.”
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
New Mexico Democratic U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a ranking member of the House Administration Committee, wrote on X, “our Smithsonian institutions do not belong to the president, but to the American people and so does our nation’s history.”
However, because the Smithsonian is largely funded by the federal government, the president wants us to believe that it is within his power to dictate the kinds of exhibits and related stories which trained and experienced historians have compiled, curated, and put on display.
Once again, the president has ventured out of his lane and failed to keep the promises he made during his third run for the White House.
Americans would be better served if he placed his focus on issues like affordability, eradicating an unprecedented rise in infectious diseases, and stepping away from his irrational decisions to engage in war on multiple fronts.
African Americans, despite being abused, spit on, lynched, kidnapped from their native land, forced into human bondage, denied equal rights, and relegated to the underclass, still love this nation.
Black Americans have fought in every war since the American Revolution, despite being forced to endure the evils of Jim Crow and white supremacy following the conclusion of each of these wars.
All Americans should join leaders like Maryland Democratic Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who, during a House Oversight subcommittee hearing on July 21, condemned the Trump administration’s efforts to alter or restrict historical exhibits.
“I am outraged at what is happening now with these efforts to do away with the African American museum and all of the Smithsonian,” said Mfume. “If you erase it, we will replace it. It’s that damn simple.”
