Maine’s governor says taking down statues of Confederate figures is « just like » removing a monument to people who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,2001.
Taking down statues of Confederate figures is « just like » removing a monument to victims of the 9/11 attacks, Gov. Paul LePage said Thursday, adding that the white nationalist and far-left protesters in Charlottesville over the weekend were « equally as bad » and « disgusting. »
The Republican governor made the comments during an appearance on WGAN-AM when asked for his reaction to the deadly violence in Virginia at a white nationalist protest over the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.
LePage, echoing President Donald Trump, said he condemns « both sides » that went to the city with the intent of inciting violence. He lamented the deaths of 32-year-old Heather Heyer, who was struck by a car that drove into the crowd of protesters, and two state police officers, whose helicopter crashed during an effort to contain the violence.
LePage said left-wing protesters who want to remove Confederate statues are ignorant of history and want to erase it. He compared them to « the Taliban in Afghanistan » in their desire to remove monuments.
« How can future generations learn if we’re going to erase history? That’s disgusting, » he said. « They should study their history — they don’t even know the history of this country and they are trying to take monuments down. Listen, whether we like it or not, this is what our history is. »
He continued: « To me, it’s just like going to New York City right now and taking down the monument of those who perished in 9/11. It will come to that. »
LePage also said he didn’t find out about the Charlottesville violence until Tuesday because he doesn’t watch TV or read newspapers. The governor, who has a long history of feuding with the media, said he thinks newspapers are « pencil terrorists. »
Former Maine Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat, also appeared on WGAN on Thursday morning to address the Charlottesville violence. He said that Trump’s role as president is to « comfort the country » and that the president’s comments were « tone deaf. » Baldacci didn’t directly address LePage’s comments.
Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access.
