Cannot support vandalism
I find it increasingly difficult to have empathy with, and support for indigenous rights, when supporters — thankfully a minority — vandalise and damage society’s properties. So far, their anger has only been actively directed at statues and churches, but they seem determined to cow society into re-focusing its history.
The latest example, the irresponsible vandalising and destroying Cook’s statue in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, decries the invaluable contribution of James Cook to exploration, charting, and science. Cook was the son of a farmhand who raised himself to the exalted rank of captain through his endeavours, hard work and aptitude. He was not a career naval officer but earned his sea legs as a deck hand on a colliery freighter.
He was one of the world’s great navigators, not a symbol of colonialism.
As a former journalist, I wholeheartedly support free speech but abhor free vandalism and property damage in its support.
Chris Banner
Shawnigan Lake