to the editor:
This is addressed to those who feel like I do concerning the Confederate Soldier standing proudly at the majestic old courthouse in Pittsboro.
Let the statue stand where it is and not be moved by those who have no conception as to the meaning it has for the majority of our people.
The Civil War devastated Chatham County when Sherman marched north and settled on the Cape Fear River with his thousands of soldiers and animals at what is now the village of Corinth.
I am told that I am represented by a county commissioner who probably could not find Corinth and has never visited this small village with a great story to tell of total devastation.
Sherman and his men ravaged this whole area to feed themselves and their livestock caring not that they left Chatham County in total disarray.
Can we not have one silent soldier (monument) stand in our midst that gives tribute to the thousands that gave their lives to protect their homeland?
I lost a great uncle that gave his life to this war. It was a sad time for both North and South. Surely, there are many statues in the north honoring their fallen soldiers.
Closer to home where I live in a wonderful place called Pea Ridge south, is where I was given my name. I have tried to honor my name even though I know that I have failed at times. All one has in this life is their name and that means you have to stand up for what you believe and share that belief with others.
We have four county commissioners that have moved to our county and with them have brought an agenda that has cause much strife and turmoil.
These four commissioners represent the liberal thinking of Chapel Hill and Orange County something that is detested and not accepted by most local Chathamites.
We do have one county commissioner, Andy Wilkie, that represents the thinking of many of us that are native to the county. Surely, we can give him two more helpers in the upcoming election.
I want to give thanks to all of the folks striving to protect and keep the Confederate statue in place.
Never, ever give up standing for your convictions.
Paul Bland McCoy
New Hill