Upper Bucks Today

In a move to preserve history and honor the legacy of William Penn, Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks) has announced his co-sponsorship of a resolution with House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) condemning the Biden administration's proposal to remove a statue of Penn from Welcome Park in Philadelphia. The proposal comes as part of the park's upcoming renovation.

Staats expressed his concern over what he sees as an attempt by the "woke" movement to erase history. He stated, "This is another outrageous example of the 'woke' movement's determination to erase our history. They are now targeting the man whose legacy includes a commitment to peace and coexistence."

Staats emphasized the importance of understanding Penn's contributions to Pennsylvania. As the founder of the state, Penn established fair deals and treaties with Native Americans, which fostered a period of coexistence and respect for indigenous rights. His adherence to the Quaker principle of pacifism also led to a lasting peace between Native Americans and settlers in Pennsylvania.

The National Park Service recently announced its intention to remove the statue as part of the rehabilitation of Welcome Park, situated on the site of Penn's home, the Slate Roof House. The park is named after the ship, Welcome, which transported Penn to Philadelphia.

To gather public input, the National Park Service has invited comments on the proposed design for the park's rehabilitation. From January 8 to 21, individuals can submit their thoughts through the National Park Service's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at parkplanning.nps.gov. It is important to note that comments given through social media, phone calls, email, or mail will not be accepted.

Staats urged those who care about Pennsylvania's history and William Penn's legacy to utilize the designated website as a means to voice their opposition to the statue's removal. He stated, "I encourage everyone who cares about Pennsylvania's history and William Penn's legacy to contact the park service through their website. If enough of us speak out, we can stop this outrage."

The resolution co-sponsored by Staats and Cutler seeks to condemn the proposal to remove the statue and serves as a testament to the significance of preserving historical landmarks. It highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of individuals like William Penn, who played a pivotal role in shaping the state's history.

As the public engages in this discussion, it is crucial to consider the diverse perspectives and opinions surrounding the issue. The resolution put forth by Staats and Cutler aims to foster dialogue and ensure that the decision made regarding the statue's removal aligns with the values and wishes of the community.

Preserving history while acknowledging its complexities can be a delicate task. Staats' co-sponsorship of the resolution demonstrates his commitment to upholding the memory of William Penn and the values he embodied. By participating in the public comment period and expressing their views, individuals have an opportunity to shape the outcome of this proposed renovation and the fate of the statue in Welcome Park.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.repstaats.com/News/33381/Latest-News/Staats-to-Co-sponsor-Resolution-Condemning-Proposal-to-Remove-Penn-Statue-