text: Bill:  The statues in question are "public property" and the message they convey is a public message representing the sentiments of the jurisdiction owning and controlling them.  That jurisdiction has the authority to determine the message they convey and, conversely, the message they don't convey.  Were these statues private property erected on private ground, it would be an entirely different issue.  If an individual or group should wish to purchase, for example, the Robert E. Lee statute in Charlotteville, and move it to private property, I would support the action as an expression of freedom of speech.  I would oppose the message, but support the right to express it.  Gary Crum