Make Connecticut Great Again
Submitted to the Wall Street Journal June 26, 2020
The Desecration of America
We can have no '50-50' allegiance in this country.
Either a man is an American and nothing else,
or he is not an American at all.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Removal of the statue of Theodore Roosevelt from the front entrance of the American Museum
of Natural History in New York City is an affront to a great American patriot and to the many
Americans who have been inspired by his life and accomplishments in contributing to and making
a more perfect nation. It is an attempt to separate us from our history, our glorious heroes, and
our remarkable endeavors and accomplishments.
T.R. was bold, loved and admired. This imposing statue commemorates a great leader in a
different time. T.R. is the embodiment of rugged individualism and the American spirit. It is
unfathomable to think the legacy of this great American rests in the hands of individuals and
politicians who are influenced by group think, mob rule and museum trustees who do not have
the gumption or bravado to protect the legacy of a great president who did so much to build this
great nation and improve conditions for the safety of all Americans. They certainly do not exhibit
the “Bull Moose” strength of T.R. and the convictions to protect our great American heritage.
I can think of no greater way to disrespect the legacy of a truly great American leader and relegate
the accomplishments of this dedicated patriot to anonymity.
T.R. never shirked from adversaries; he would meet them head on and would have little tolerance
for the “weasel words” of politicians and advocates who support this assault on our great
patriots, our history, the desecration of our flag and those who flagrantly attempt to destroy the
American spirit by vandalizing our great monuments and statues, engaging in rioting and looting
of our great urban cities neither should we. We owe it to ourselves and to those who follow us
to preserve and build upon our great and unique history to make America stronger, better and
greater. This lawless desecration being advanced by the mob must stop now!
We are continually striving to create a more perfect union. It would be more fruitful to be
discussing T.R.’s legacy and how we have built upon his achievements. America has progressed
incrementally; that is the beauty of our great country. We are always improving our condition.
We strive to fulfill our dream for a better, brighter future and our best days yet to come.
Barry Michelson
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