Last week we all witnessed a bizarre act of organized vandalism which demolished a priceless piece of art and tourist landmark.
Just a 10-15 minute drive from Hartwell, the Georgia Guidestones had always been a site of intrigue, mystique and beauty.
Theories range on who R.C. Christian was and why he wanted “guidestones to an age of reason” placed in our corner of northeast Georgia, with some alleging nefarious motivations. But theories are exactly that: theories.
For the vandal or vandals to presumably run with a theory, then take matters into their own hands and destroy something so iconic — a treasure that is publicly accessible — we find that act selfish and reprehensible. Above all, the fact that the Guidestones are torn down is simply a shame for the countless people in the region and beyond that respected their intrigue.
The act is inexcusable and unjustifiable by any belief system and it violates basic moral principles, tenets that we learn in kindergarten class: You don’t touch, let alone destroy, something that doesn’t belong to you.
The July 6 attack on the Guidestones is another example of extremism taking hold on the fringes of society, and acts like these take us further from the ideal “age of reason.” Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised, considering a gubernatorial candidate Kandiss Taylor championed their destruction in her campaign and celebrated the day the federal crime occurred.
We understand that Taylor considered the structures “satanic” but detonating explosives to justify your beliefs is far from a holy act. That type of extreme thinking has started wars.
We’re aware that no one was hurt and that there are more pressing world events that have caused actual pain and suffering, however crimes like the one carried out July 6 run a slippery slope and are deserving of our attention and our condemnation.
Justice for the Guidestones.
