Tearing down statues of controversial historical figures is an act of anarchy that will not bring about change, Sen. Tim Scott told "Fox & Friends" on Tuesday.
The South Carolina Republican said “Tearing down history for the sake of anarchy is not how we make progress in this country. It never has been and it never will be.”
Scott said “There are some things we can have a serious debate about, but this desire to purge all of history, because it was ugly or negative really does not serve the American people well.”
The senator said he agrees with President Donald Trump’s remarks about stiff terms for such vandalism and the president's comments “should send shivers down the spine of these agitators. They’re not a part of any protest, they’re simply agitators and trying to find their way to create anarchy, chaos and lawlessness.”
Scott, who is black, emphasized that such an atmosphere of lawlessness and anarchy “is dangerous for every single person in the nation, especially the most vulnerable communities.”
He insisted, instead, that productive actions should be taken.
“If we want to do something, why don’t you put up a statue of Booker T. Washington,” Scott said. “Why don’t you have a conversation about Washington Carver. These would be positive steps."
Trump has blasted states for being weak by allowing the removal of statues of controversial historical figures as part of the protests against the death of George Floyd while in police custody.