Glenn D. Brasher Responds to Gov. Kay Ivey

Governor Kay Ivey is running for reelection as governor of Alabama by taking a stand on Confederate monuments. She is taking a stand in their defense and believes that the threat is coming squarely from “outside agitators.” Here is the campaign ad.

This is the same argument that has been used at any number of points in the past in the defense of the racial status quo in Alabama and elsewhere. While it will certainly work as a rallying cry for her own supporters, it alienates the many residents who believe that it is time for these monuments to be removed. This debate has nothing to do with “outside agitators.” Native Alabamian and historian, Glenn David Brasher, offered his own sincere and passionate response to Governor Ivey. It’s a must read.

New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu shared why his city’s monuments were removed. I would love to hear from Governor Ivey what specific Alabama values Confederate monuments still reflect.

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6 comments… add one
  • London John May 6, 2018 @ 2:08

    The governor’s reference to “outsiders” seems to imply that she believes the Confederacy won and so Americans outside the South don’t belong to the same country.

  • Msb Apr 19, 2018 @ 11:48

    Great piece by Brasher, thanks.
    When the French monarchy was re-established after the defeat of Napoleon, the reigning family was said to have “forgotten nothing, and learned nothing”. Are you sure Gov. Ivey’s surname isn’t Bourbon?

    • Josh Apr 20, 2018 @ 13:18

      The comparison between the postbellum white South and post-Napoleon Bourbon monarchy is an interesting one as both seemed to bring the same mentality. Things generally worked out “better” (in their own eyes) for the former than the latter though.

  • andersonh1 Apr 19, 2018 @ 11:24

    “it alienates the many residents who believe that it is time for these monuments to be removed”

    Can you provide an exact count of these “many residents”?

    • Kevin Levin Apr 19, 2018 @ 11:26

      Silly question.

  • Ken Noe Apr 19, 2018 @ 3:49

    Kay Ivey’s biggest comment on values came last fall, when she said that she believed Roy Moore’s accusers, but was still going to vote for him.

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