text: There is nothing "random" about removing or moving specific symbols that are strongly linked to a history of supporting slavery here. Other countries, such as Germany and Italy, have done so in ways that do not erase hateful parts of their past but situate them to be discussed so that the wrongs of the past will not be repeated. Another example, across the former Soviet Union Lenin's statue was relegated to special sculpture parks.
  
  As well, note that one of the first things Americans did upon taking Baghdad was to topple the Saddam statue.