Letter to the editor: Dismayed by Bushy Run battle ruling

I would like to express my dismay and utter disappointment with the state’s stoppage of the Battle of Bushy Run reenactments (“Bushy Run Battlefield reenactment canceled amid new state guidelines,” Jan. 28, TribLIVE). It’s inconceivable that some frivolous state “commission,” without actually voting on the issue, can unilaterally stop a reenactment that’s been conducted for decades. I can attest that the community looks forward to this reenactment every year, and the individuals who take part are dedicated volunteers.

From what I understand, part of the reason for the controversy stems from the fact that authentic Native Americans now have to portray all Natives in the battle. Does that also mean that the Highlanders that fought in the battle have to be played by Scottish citizens? If this premise was applied to cinema, would that mean a World War II movie should only have Germans portray German soldiers and/or Americans portray American soldiers, etc.?

Everyone who attended the meeting in January pertaining to this issue was greatly disappointed in the state’s decision and wants to continue the annual reenactments. The decision on whether to conduct the reenactment should be made by local leaders, not unelected, bleeding-heart bureaucrats from Harrisburg. It’s a shame that some groups in this country want to either rewrite history or stop it.

Shaun Rinier

Penn Township, Westmoreland County

The writer is a Penn-Trafford School District social studies teacher and president of the Penn-Trafford Teachers Union.