South Central PA News

Jan 8 2024

By Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)

William Penn, a prominent figure in American history, is facing cancellation as the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) plans to renovate Philadelphia's Welcome Park. The proposed renovations include tearing down the statue of William Penn and removing a display panel timeline of his life. This decision has sparked controversy and outrage among those who appreciate Penn's contributions to religious freedom and his efforts to establish a fair and inclusive government.

William Penn, a Quaker who faced hardships and persecution for his Christian faith, played a pivotal role in the founding of Pennsylvania. He envisioned a place where people could live in freedom and escape religious persecution. Penn's "holy experiment" provided a safe haven for countless individuals seeking refuge from Europe. He not only established religious freedom but also maintained peaceful relations with Native Americans, forging the longest-lasting peace treaty with them.

Penn's ideas and concepts were influential in shaping the U.S. Constitution, particularly his belief in the importance of allowing a governing document to evolve with time and changing dynamics. His contributions to the establishment of a better government order and the promotion of freedom cannot be understated.

Despite his significant impact on American history, the NPS plans to remove the statue of William Penn and erase his legacy from Welcome Park. This decision has raised concerns about the erasure of history and the targeting of monuments dedicated to prominent figures. Sen. Doug Mastriano and others have voiced their opposition to this decision, highlighting the absurdity of considering Penn's legacy as unwelcoming or non-inclusive.

Pennsylvania, under Penn's leadership, was the most tolerant and progressive of the 13 original colonies. He guaranteed free elections, freedom from unjust imprisonment, fair trial by jury, and most importantly, freedom of religion through his charter of liberties. Pennsylvania became a sanctuary for persecuted religious minorities from Europe, including groups such as the Amish, Catholics, Huguenots, Jews, Lutherans, and Mennonites.

Penn's commitment to protecting the rights of free enterprise and private property was evident in his "Framework of Government." He believed in a political structure that responded to the will of the people and worked to establish a system of government that upheld these principles.

Furthermore, Penn's unique relationship with Native Americans set him apart from his contemporaries. He believed in making peace with Native Americans and ensuring fair treatment in land transactions. Penn negotiated the first land-purchase survey with the Lenape people, and his commitment to fairness and justice resulted in a 75-year peace in Pennsylvania.

William Penn's legacy extends beyond Pennsylvania. His advocacy for religious liberty and his experiment in representative government laid the groundwork for the founding of the United States of America and the U.S. Constitution. His contributions to American history are undeniable and should not be erased or forgotten.

Sen. Doug Mastriano calls on the NPS to reconsider its plans to remove the statue of William Penn and the display panel timeline at Welcome Park. Penn's legacy deserves to be preserved and celebrated, as it represents the ideals of freedom and inclusivity that our nation was built upon.

There is still hope that the U.S. Department of the Interior and NPS will recognize the significance of William Penn's contributions and reverse their plans to erase his legacy. It is crucial to remember and honor the individuals who have played a vital role in shaping our nation's history.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://senatormastriano.com/2024/01/08/dont-cancel-william-penn/