Speaker Nancy Pelosi has a message for Americans who are upset over the wanton destruction of historical statues by pro-Black Lives Matter activists: “People will do what they do.”
The California Democrat made the remark Thursday after a reporter asked her thoughts on a Baltimore mob that targeted a Christopher Columbus statue.
“I do think that from a safety standpoint, it would be a good idea to have it taken down if the community doesn’t want it,” Mrs. Pelosi said.
Mrs. Pelosi, an Italian-American who was born in Baltimore and whose father and brother each served as the city mayor, downplayed her personal ties to the statue, which was put up in 1984 and, like most such statues nationwide, was in the Little Italy neighborhood and a point of the pride to the local community.
“I don’t even have my grandmother’s earrings,” she said.
The congresswoman said that a “community view” outside the rule of law could be considered acceptable behavior.
“Sometimes, it’s been something that’s been there. That view has been there for a while,” she added.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, however, rejected the behavior as it has gained popularity with activists in recent weeks.
“We welcome the peaceful protests and constructive dialogue on whether and how to put certain monuments in context or move them to museums or storage through a legal process,” the Republican said in a July 5 statement. “Lawlessness, vandalism, and destruction of public property is completely unacceptable.”
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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