Have there been any posts, interviews, Twitter mentions of current and former Ross Volunteers and their thoughts on the removal of Sully?

Damn, man. They just want to be left alone. Good job, *******s

I would be surprised if they havent been coached to stay silent on the matter.

Malibu said:

---

I would be surprised if they havent been coached to stay silent on the matter.

---

Would have been nice for the football team to have gotten the same message.

Welp, radar

It's on it now

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so?

Jogging across campus, blindly in the dark and then...WHAMMO!

Ellis Wyatt said:

---

Jogging across campus, blindly in the dark and then...WHAMMO!

---

Well that's kinda heavy ...

Ellis Wyatt said:

---

Jogging across campus, blindly in the dark and then...WHAMMO!

---

And here's why it's best my fellow RV not say anything.

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

Fiddler's Green is racist somehow

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates their very personhood?

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

Ok. So change the plaque

Nobody has to look at it

I'm waiting for "truly impacted"

What is the actual impact?

Be specific. Describe the impact? The act of being alarmed at the CSA reference?

Ok, get rid of the reference

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

If Sully does that to one's personhood, I wonder what it is like to regularly pull currency out of your wallet with slave owner George Washington on it.

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

Ok. So change the plaque

Nobody has to look at it

I'm waiting for "truly impacted"

What is the actual impact

Be specific. Describe the impact

---

This cuts both ways. Youre asking what value symbolism plays in modern life. Be it Harriet Tubman on the twenty, Nathan Bedford Forrest in the statehouse, or wearing red white and blue on the 4th. None increase my wealth, health, or put food on the table. Neither do these decisions impact yours either. They wont raise or lower incarceration rates or improve 3rd grade reading levels.

Yet here you and I are, arguing the merits of public symbols. They are statements about what we value. Shared values are massively important for social cohesion. Theyre the foundation of public trust in institutions. The United States Constitution has no magical powers. We all collectively consent to agree that it rules the land. We can collectively withdraw that consent and cease to be a nation. Shared values are important, and shared history, including on statues, is an important part of that conversation.

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates their very personhood?

---

4th of July coming up. Guys who fought in that fight actually owned slaves. Should we stop celebrating because they owned slaves in 1776?

And I seriously doubt any of the people protesting the statue even knew what CSA stood for until someone told them they should be offended, much less knew it was on the statue. It was having no impact on their life until they were instructed to be offended. It will have no impact on their life after the statue stays up, other than being bitter they didn't "win".

Gap said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

If Sully does that to one's personhood, I wonder what it is like to regularly pull currency out of your wallet with slave owner George Washington on it.

---

This often gets pulled up as a trump card, that whats next, George Washington. I say absolutely, lets continue on that slippery slope and reexamine all of American history and symbols, not just the parts we like.

We use history as a narrative to frame our collective virtues. America is the ideals in the Constitutions preamble, Bill of Rights, and declaration of independence. It isnt the mythical powers of the fallible founding men that failed to live up to those ideals vis a vis the treatment of slaves, and the natives. To survive and thrive as a nation, we must have a collective shared ideals. That means rethinking the men who we uphold as the paragons of those ideals, they werent.

If pressed, GW can stay on the One. We dont have to change the name of our capital. But, i dont think these conversations should be taboo.

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

Ok. So change the plaque

Nobody has to look at it

I'm waiting for "truly impacted"

What is the actual impact

Be specific. Describe the impact

---

This cuts both ways. Youre asking what value symbolism plays in modern life. Be it Harriet Tubman on the twenty, Nathan Bedford Forrest in the statehouse, or wearing red white and blue on the 4th. None increase my wealth, health, or put food on the table. Neither do these decisions impact yours either. They wont raise or lower incarceration rates or improve 3rd grade reading levels.

Yet here you and I are, arguing the merits of public symbols. They are statements about what we value. Shared values are massively important for social cohesion. Theyre the foundation of public trust in institutions. The United States Constitution has no magical powers. We all collectively consent to agree that it rules the land. We can collectively withdraw that consent and cease to be a nation. Shared values are important, and shared history, including on statues, is an important part of that conversation.

---

And now I'm not sure you know what CSA stands for, because that's what they thought and then they were invaded and forced to come back and consent.

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

Ok. So change the plaque

Nobody has to look at it

I'm waiting for "truly impacted"

What is the actual impact

Be specific. Describe the impact

---

This cuts both ways. Youre asking what value symbolism plays in modern life. Be it Harriet Tubman on the twenty, Nathan Bedford Forrest in the statehouse, or wearing red white and blue on the 4th. None increase my wealth, health, or put food on the table. Neither do these decisions impact yours either. They wont raise or lower incarceration rates or improve 3rd grade reading levels.

Yet here you and I are, arguing the merits of public symbols. They are statements about what we value. Shared values are massively important for social cohesion. Theyre the foundation of public trust in institutions. The United States Constitution has no magical powers. We all collectively consent to agree that it rules the land. We can collectively withdraw that consent and cease to be a nation. Shared values are important, and shared history, including on statues, is an important part of that conversation.

---

That's about as big a dump of mawkish crap I've ever seen on these boards

You never answered the question .... what's the impact on the individual?

You're are big soft notions of what's right and not right in terms of displayed symbolism. But This has nothing to do with the pros and cons of whether Sully should stay or go

You said "Impact". Describe the "impact" on someone who voluntarily accesses the campus, agrees to be a student, either knowing full well A&M's history and traditions, or being willfully ignorant of that history

And be specific

Everything else you typed was drivel and has nothing to do with the issue

Your post was reminiscent of otter's great stand in front of the Faber interfraternal council ... high on platitudes, low on anything remotely resembling defensible argument

Now, describe the "impact" on A student athlete, who undoubtedly has made himself very familiar with the school and its traditions, and who has voluntarily accessed the campus upon which is educational experience will be played out.

Be specific on individual impact

Humming "Pomp and circumstance" doesn't count

Malibu said:

---

Gap said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

If Sully does that to one's personhood, I wonder what it is like to regularly pull currency out of your wallet with slave owner George Washington on it.

---

This often gets pulled up as a trump card, that whats next, George Washington. I say absolutely, lets continue on that slippery slope and reexamine all of American history and symbols, not just the parts we like.

We use history as a narrative to frame our collective virtues. America is the ideals in the Constitutions preamble, Bill of Rights, and declaration of independence. It isnt the mythical powers of the fallible founding men that failed to live up to those ideals vis a vis the treatment of slaves, and the natives. To survive and thrive as a nation, we must have a collective shared ideals. That means rethinking the men who we uphold as the paragons of those ideals, they werent.

If pressed, GW can stay on the One. We dont have to change the name of our capital. But, i dont think these conversations should be taboo.

---

Oh for **** sake

I see where you're coming from now

The ideals upon which our nation was founded are nullified by the flaws of the men who founded it

Ok. Throw it all out

Good luck in your little entrepreneurial paradise out west

You'll be the first to crater, I'm sure

aggiebq03+ said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates their very personhood?

---

4th of July coming up. Guys who fought in that fight actually owned slaves. Should we stop celebrating because they owned slaves in 1776?

And I seriously doubt any of the people protesting the statue even knew what CSA stood for until someone told them they should be offended, much less knew it was on the statue. It was having no impact on their life until they were instructed to be offended. It will have no impact on their life after the statue stays up, other than being bitter they didn't "win".

---

No, the celebration of America is important. Our values and ideals are important. Fallible men, however, dont have to be worshipped as heroes.

I was an RV and had talks with other black RVs about Sullys history when I was a student in the mid naughts. This isnt the first time black students have questioned the entire inscription, and at best expressed ambivalence about Sully. In fact, I remember being told that Ross was in the KKK and tat the only reason PVA&M existed was for segregation. I dont think that theres any history that supports those claims about Ross, I merely bring up that those were direct rumors from fellow black RVs, who themselves heard it somewhere else. This is the first time obviously those conversations have had a critical mass.

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

Ok. So change the plaque

Nobody has to look at it

I'm waiting for "truly impacted"

What is the actual impact

Be specific. Describe the impact

---

This cuts both ways. Youre asking what value symbolism plays in modern life. Be it Harriet Tubman on the twenty, Nathan Bedford Forrest in the statehouse, or wearing red white and blue on the 4th. None increase my wealth, health, or put food on the table. Neither do these decisions impact yours either. They wont raise or lower incarceration rates or improve 3rd grade reading levels.

Yet here you and I are, arguing the merits of public symbols. They are statements about what we value. Shared values are massively important for social cohesion. Theyre the foundation of public trust in institutions. The United States Constitution has no magical powers. We all collectively consent to agree that it rules the land. We can collectively withdraw that consent and cease to be a nation. Shared values are important, and shared history, including on statues, is an important part of that conversation.

---

That's about as big a dump of mawkish crap I've ever seen on these boards

You never answered the question .... what's the impact on the individual?

You're are big soft notions of what's right and not right in terms of displayed symbolism. But This has nothing to do with the pros and cons of whether Sully should stay or go

You said "Impact". Describe the "impact" on someone who voluntarily accesses the campus, agrees to be a student, either knowing full well A&M's history and traditions, or being willfully ignorant of that history

And be specific

Everything else you typed was drivel and has nothing to do with the issue

Your post was reminiscent of otter's great stand in front of the Faber interfraternal council ... high on platitudes, low on anything remotely resembling defensible argument

Now, describe the "impact" on A student athlete, who undoubtedly has made himself very familiar with the school and its traditions, and who has voluntarily accessed the campus upon which is educational experience will be played out.

Be specific on individual impact

Humming "Pomp and circumstance" doesn't count

---

It cuts both ways. It can go then and be replaced with a foosball table because statues are dumb and dont really impact campus life.

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Gap said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

If Sully does that to one's personhood, I wonder what it is like to regularly pull currency out of your wallet with slave owner George Washington on it.

---

This often gets pulled up as a trump card, that whats next, George Washington. I say absolutely, lets continue on that slippery slope and reexamine all of American history and symbols, not just the parts we like.

We use history as a narrative to frame our collective virtues. America is the ideals in the Constitutions preamble, Bill of Rights, and declaration of independence. It isnt the mythical powers of the fallible founding men that failed to live up to those ideals vis a vis the treatment of slaves, and the natives. To survive and thrive as a nation, we must have a collective shared ideals. That means rethinking the men who we uphold as the paragons of those ideals, they werent.

If pressed, GW can stay on the One. We dont have to change the name of our capital. But, i dont think these conversations should be taboo.

---

Oh for **** sake

I see where you're coming from now

The ideals upon which our nation was founded are nullified by the flaws of the men who founded it

Ok. Throw it all out

Good luck in your little entrepreneurial paradise out west

You'll be the first to crater, I'm sure

---

Nope, not at all what I said.

Malibu said:

---

aggiebq03+ said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates their very personhood?

---

4th of July coming up. Guys who fought in that fight actually owned slaves. Should we stop celebrating because they owned slaves in 1776?

And I seriously doubt any of the people protesting the statue even knew what CSA stood for until someone told them they should be offended, much less knew it was on the statue. It was having no impact on their life until they were instructed to be offended. It will have no impact on their life after the statue stays up, other than being bitter they didn't "win".

---

No, the celebration of America is important. Our values and ideals are important. Fallible men, however, dont have to be worshipped as heroes.

I was an RV and had talks with other black RVs about Sullys history when I was a student in the mid naughts. This isnt the first time black students have questioned the entire inscription, and at best expressed ambivalence about Sully. In fact, I remember being told that Ross was in the KKK and tat the only reason PVA&M existed was for segregation. I dont think that theres any history that supports those claims about Ross, I merely bring up that those were direct rumors from fellow black RVs, who themselves heard it somewhere else. This is the first time obviously those conversations have had a critical mass.

---

If there's no history to support it, then why even consider it?

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Gap said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

If Sully does that to one's personhood, I wonder what it is like to regularly pull currency out of your wallet with slave owner George Washington on it.

---

This often gets pulled up as a trump card, that whats next, George Washington. I say absolutely, lets continue on that slippery slope and reexamine all of American history and symbols, not just the parts we like.

We use history as a narrative to frame our collective virtues. America is the ideals in the Constitutions preamble, Bill of Rights, and declaration of independence. It isnt the mythical powers of the fallible founding men that failed to live up to those ideals vis a vis the treatment of slaves, and the natives. To survive and thrive as a nation, we must have a collective shared ideals. That means rethinking the men who we uphold as the paragons of those ideals, they werent.

If pressed, GW can stay on the One. We dont have to change the name of our capital. But, i dont think these conversations should be taboo.

---

Oh for **** sake

I see where you're coming from now

The ideals upon which our nation was founded are nullified by the flaws of the men who founded it

Ok. Throw it all out

Good luck in your little entrepreneurial paradise out west

You'll be the first to crater, I'm sure

---

Nope, not at all what I said.

---

Correction

Nullifiable

Of course that's what you said

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

Ok. So change the plaque

Nobody has to look at it

I'm waiting for "truly impacted"

What is the actual impact

Be specific. Describe the impact

---

This cuts both ways. Youre asking what value symbolism plays in modern life. Be it Harriet Tubman on the twenty, Nathan Bedford Forrest in the statehouse, or wearing red white and blue on the 4th. None increase my wealth, health, or put food on the table. Neither do these decisions impact yours either. They wont raise or lower incarceration rates or improve 3rd grade reading levels.

Yet here you and I are, arguing the merits of public symbols. They are statements about what we value. Shared values are massively important for social cohesion. Theyre the foundation of public trust in institutions. The United States Constitution has no magical powers. We all collectively consent to agree that it rules the land. We can collectively withdraw that consent and cease to be a nation. Shared values are important, and shared history, including on statues, is an important part of that conversation.

---

That's about as big a dump of mawkish crap I've ever seen on these boards

You never answered the question .... what's the impact on the individual?

You're are big soft notions of what's right and not right in terms of displayed symbolism. But This has nothing to do with the pros and cons of whether Sully should stay or go

You said "Impact". Describe the "impact" on someone who voluntarily accesses the campus, agrees to be a student, either knowing full well A&M's history and traditions, or being willfully ignorant of that history

And be specific

Everything else you typed was drivel and has nothing to do with the issue

Your post was reminiscent of otter's great stand in front of the Faber interfraternal council ... high on platitudes, low on anything remotely resembling defensible argument

Now, describe the "impact" on A student athlete, who undoubtedly has made himself very familiar with the school and its traditions, and who has voluntarily accessed the campus upon which is educational experience will be played out.

Be specific on individual impact

Humming "Pomp and circumstance" doesn't count

---

It cuts both ways. It can go then and be replaced with a foosball table because statues are dumb and dont really impact campus life.

---

That's your personal opinion

Others feel differently

Just because you think there's no value in memorializing the most important figure in A&M history does not mean it's not worthy of memorializing

You are just one person

You were nothing

Malibu said:

---

I would be surprised if they havent been coached to stay silent on the matter.

---

Yep, which is fuggin ridiculous. Your side is winning the cultural war, congrats.

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Gap said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

If Sully does that to one's personhood, I wonder what it is like to regularly pull currency out of your wallet with slave owner George Washington on it.

---

This often gets pulled up as a trump card, that whats next, George Washington. I say absolutely, lets continue on that slippery slope and reexamine all of American history and symbols, not just the parts we like.

We use history as a narrative to frame our collective virtues. America is the ideals in the Constitutions preamble, Bill of Rights, and declaration of independence. It isnt the mythical powers of the fallible founding men that failed to live up to those ideals vis a vis the treatment of slaves, and the natives. To survive and thrive as a nation, we must have a collective shared ideals. That means rethinking the men who we uphold as the paragons of those ideals, they werent.

If pressed, GW can stay on the One. We dont have to change the name of our capital. But, i dont think these conversations should be taboo.

---

Oh for **** sake

I see where you're coming from now

The ideals upon which our nation was founded are nullified by the flaws of the men who founded it

Ok. Throw it all out

Good luck in your little entrepreneurial paradise out west

You'll be the first to crater, I'm sure

---

Nope, not at all what I said.

---

Correction

Nullifiable

Of course that's what you said

---

Still not what I said. Ideas and values are important Hero worshiping the men who came up with those ideas isnt.

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

No one has ever been impacted by that damn statue. This is all manufactured. Damn, they're even dooping former RV's, we are f-d as a society. This isn't attack on you, but sh**.

Malibu said:

---

aggiebq03+ said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates their very personhood?

---

4th of July coming up. Guys who fought in that fight actually owned slaves. Should we stop celebrating because they owned slaves in 1776?

And I seriously doubt any of the people protesting the statue even knew what CSA stood for until someone told them they should be offended, much less knew it was on the statue. It was having no impact on their life until they were instructed to be offended. It will have no impact on their life after the statue stays up, other than being bitter they didn't "win".

---

No, the celebration of America is important. Our values and ideals are important. Fallible men, however, dont have to be worshipped as heroes.

I was an RV and had talks with other black RVs about Sullys history when I was a student in the mid naughts. This isnt the first time black students have questioned the entire inscription, and at best expressed ambivalence about Sully. In fact, I remember being told that Ross was in the KKK and tat the only reason PVA&M existed was for segregation. I dont think that theres any history that supports those claims about Ross, I merely bring up that those were direct rumors from fellow black RVs, who themselves heard it somewhere else. This is the first time obviously those conversations have had a critical mass.

---

The celebration of Texas A&M's values and ideals are important as well. No one is worshiping the statue by leaving pennies on it.

If a conversation is at critical mass because of lies and rumors, let's address the lies and rumors instead of having a conversation about trying to remove pieces of our history from public view. Seems the more appropriate and immediate course to take, rather than indulging people in their false outrage.

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Malibu said:

---

Captain Pablo said:

---

Bird93 said:

---

I'm a former RV, and I'm pro statue because presentism is dangerous, canceling history is dangerous, selective condemnation is dangerous, pandering is dangerous, etc, etc, etc. The ideals of being a soldier, statesman, and knightly gentleman are the very foundation of what it means to be an Aggie. The Ross Volunteers represent and embody those ideals.

That said, my life will not be ruined, nor will my love for A&M be negated if the statue is removed. I think there may be those who are truly impacted by it, and I want to be empathetic. But there are also those who only seek to sow discord. They are dangerous and need to be addressed.

I love all people, especially all Aggies; and I don't pretend to have the answers for the LSR statue dilemma. If I thought for a second that getting rid of the statue would create unity, I would be an advocate to do so. But I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what the agitators hope to accomplish. It makes me sad.

---

How so

---

I think for some, the words "CSA" automatically nullify a life being honored with public symbolism, regardless of the merit of the post CSA life. I dont fault either side in this debate. I think these are tough questions that dont have convenient easy answers.

---

Forming the basis of a negative opinion is not "truly impacting" someone

How do those 3 letters, CSA, "truly impact" someone?

Be specific

---

The CSA fought for, amongst other things, upholding slavery. Sully fought for the CSA. Sully is honored as a symbol of Aggieland's Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. His particular soldierism as identified on his plaque is linked to the aformentioned fight to preserve slavery. You dont see how that public recognition of his cause would be alarming to some black students who may think that honoring that version of soldier negates there very personhood?

---

Ok. So change the plaque

Nobody has to look at it

I'm waiting for "truly impacted"

What is the actual impact

Be specific. Describe the impact

---

This cuts both ways. Youre asking what value symbolism plays in modern life. Be it Harriet Tubman on the twenty, Nathan Bedford Forrest in the statehouse, or wearing red white and blue on the 4th. None increase my wealth, health, or put food on the table. Neither do these decisions impact yours either. They wont raise or lower incarceration rates or improve 3rd grade reading levels.

Yet here you and I are, arguing the merits of public symbols. They are statements about what we value. Shared values are massively important for social cohesion. Theyre the foundation of public trust in institutions. The United States Constitution has no magical powers. We all collectively consent to agree that it rules the land. We can collectively withdraw that consent and cease to be a nation. Shared values are important, and shared history, including on statues, is an important part of that conversation.

---

That's about as big a dump of mawkish crap I've ever seen on these boards

You never answered the question .... what's the impact on the individual?

You're are big soft notions of what's right and not right in terms of displayed symbolism. But This has nothing to do with the pros and cons of whether Sully should stay or go

You said "Impact". Describe the "impact" on someone who voluntarily accesses the campus, agrees to be a student, either knowing full well A&M's history and traditions, or being willfully ignorant of that history

And be specific

Everything else you typed was drivel and has nothing to do with the issue

Your post was reminiscent of otter's great stand in front of the Faber interfraternal council ... high on platitudes, low on anything remotely resembling defensible argument

Now, describe the "impact" on A student athlete, who undoubtedly has made himself very familiar with the school and its traditions, and who has voluntarily accessed the campus upon which is educational experience will be played out.

Be specific on individual impact

Humming "Pomp and circumstance" doesn't count

---

It cuts both ways. It can go then and be replaced with a foosball table because statues are dumb and dont really impact campus life.

---

That's your personal opinion

Others feel differently

Just because you think there's no value in memorializing the most important figure in A&M history does not mean it's not worthy of memorializing

You are just one person

You were nothing

---

You asked me directly what impact it has on an individual. Im now asking you the same question. What impact does memorializing an individual have? Be specific.

I dont think theres no value. There is.