Editor:

I totally agree that a statue of William McKinley has no place in the politically pure land of Arcata, where the city council bows to mob rule ("The McKinley Divide," March 15). But as long as we're judging the past with the values of today, let's not stop with McKinley. I'm sure that every single past United States president could be found far wanting by today's standards, so just for starters, let's purge school books of any mention of any of them.

What should go in the statue's place? I suggest a fine sandbox, deep enough so that all those who just can't handle the fact that the United States and its leaders have a far from perfect past can bury their heads.

David Callow, McKinleyville