OPINION — History buffs were taken aback in 2021 when the New York City Council voted to remove a statue of Thomas Jefferson from the council chamber. Why should a historic work of art become part of a debate over contemporary politics?
In fact, “statue politics” is an American tradition that goes all the way back to the Revolution — and it happened in New York, too.
In 1766, the Province of New York (the British colony that became today’s New York state) wanted to score some brownie points with the big boss. It passed a resolution honoring England’s King George III. In language that would make the most fawning, fanny-kissing sycophant blush, the resolution noted “… the innumerable and singular Benefits received from our most gracious sovereign, since the Commencement of his auspicious Reign, during which they have been protected from the fury of a cruel, merciless, and savage Enemy …”
