"Written in stone"

In writing the book, the author’s intention (who is himself a constitutional lawyer) was to demonstrate the meaning and importance of a cultural perception of people towards their past and present based on the monuments, commemorating various political events of their own history. Admitting that he is the expert on the southern culture “use of public space”, the author, nonetheless, is drawing a colorful picture on the monumental propaganda home and abroad, from Beijing to Moscow, from Tirana to Zimbabwe. For example, when discoursing on the pieces of the communistic “leftovers” it is possible to agree that the author properly determined the uselessness of the certain creations, which remains as symbols of oppression (or, in contrary, “to big to be noticed”). However, what the author is failed to see is that the old works serve as a most memorable composition for the older generation, which recent post-communist governments are still relying upon as their potential voters. On the other hand, in the case of Russia, a lot of Tsars’ monuments were preserved by the communists and some – which were destroyed – even built anew (but it is for a discussion at some other time; the book was written in 1998).
Interesting to note the solution on the “Liberty Monument” in New Orleans, with a plaque addressed to both sides, monument to Alamo, Gettysburg, and the like. “History became what the written text said it was,” cites the author. Well, this slogan could be attributed to almost any of today’s societies. The museums, theme parks would be one of the solutions, especially if they could absorb the numbers of monuments produced over time.
The author also explores the legality in certain matters, such as flying the Confederate battle flag (which still falls under the First Amendment). But, concludes the author, it should not violate the freedom a free speech. It is mainly for the US Constitution to change certain views in “the power in either national or state government.” But from the other hand, a real democracy is the right of an individual “to wave flag as well as to burn one.”
The end of the book covers Austin monument erected by 1901-03 where the author offers certain solutions/additions to rectify the situation with the slogan inscribed. Leave it as it is, for it was created in completely different time frame. I think today, especially after 9/11 and the “Katrina” the monumental erections serve as an aftermath remaining to the posterity of the strong spirit and valor, rather than preference to commemorate an event and/or racial or social distinctions in the way of an architectural structure. The future monuments are those which should unite us all.