As to the statue, at this time and in this atmosphere, it is just another attempt to remind people of their differences. Not only does the left want to remove all signs of the Confederacy, it believes it is time to restart reconstruction. Move in a few more little reminders and try to shore up the Black voting bloc against any shift away from the democrat's emotional foundation.
(With a nod to Grand Kleagle Byrd)
Perhaps.
Walt