October 09, 2024
Letters to the Editor

Letter: You made up Volo Auto Museum 'General Lee' controversy

Volo Auto Museum owner and director Brian Grams poses with one of the museum's 1969 Dodge Chargers driven in the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard" in Volo, Ill., on June 26, 2015. Grams said they will continue to display the car, nicknamed "General Lee," despite growing criticism of the Confederate battle flag painted on the car's roof. (Paul Valade/Daily Herald via AP) (Paul Valade)

To the Editor:

It seemed you've tried to make a controversy where none existed. A recent headline, stating the Volo Museum won't remove the "General Lee," indicates there was some uproar. The fact is, as your story states "Grams said he's never heard a complaint about the museum's General Lee. On the contrary, he said he's received supportive words from people who appreciate the museum not being swayed by public opinion."

So, no one has requested it removed. No one has indicated they were opposed to its display. And yet you put this article in your paper, which, I have no doubt, will incite those that feel the protests are misguided. At that point, your reporter should have moved on to something more practical.

Nearly all who push for the removal of confederate monuments and display of the confederate flag, are only focused on displays on state and local government properties. Many have proposed the statues be moved to nearby museums ,where the history can be a learning experience. The "General Lee" is exactly where it should be, in a museum, and, if people are offended by it, simply omit the display from their tour or avoid the museum altogether.

That's their choice. This is vastly diferent than displaying a monument, to someone that fought to preserve slavery, on government property.

It's not about erasing history, it's about no longer flouting these monuments in people's faces, knowing tax dollars paid for them and for thier continued maintenance. And the underlying reason they were put there in the first place.

I think your article was way off base and sought to inflame tempers on a controversial subject, when no controversy existed. From his comments, I feel Grams was looking to do the same. He brings up the WWII display, saying it is "much worse."

What type of comment is that? Worse for who? Has he ever gotten a complaint about it? I seriously doubt it, but he tries pushing that button, saying he's being praised for "not having a knee-jerk reaction."

I've enjoyed the museum in the past, but will avoid going there again.

Patrick Morrison

Lake in the Hills