Past versus present, versus future

This article on the BBC News website prompted me to write this little discourse. 

 I don't believe in cleansing history, such as removing statues and rewriting of text books. At the time (sic), there was a group of people in America who felt that slavery was acceptable, and they were prepared to fight for it. Do not seek to impose 21st century thinking of 19th century events. But also, do not live in the past. It happened. People like Robert E Lee and Abraham Lincoln lived, and happened. Both sides served to steer the course of history. And it still develops. Future years will see a more dispassionate view of the likes of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. We have to live with them.