Citizens Prerogative Podcast
CPP S3 E63 Proper Monuments 

MVP public comment for the committee of Memorials in the Civic Art Collection of San Francisco on October 19, 2022.


Hello members of the committee, partners, and participants, 

My name is Michael Piscitelli and I have been a resident in San Francisco for 15 years. I love this city and look forward to any pragmatic progressive policies and actions that provide a positive example for other communities. I also represent a civic minded organization named Citizen Do Good. 

Although there are lot of issues to be focused on during this high time for civics engagement, I have faith that we can chew gum and walk at the same time, so-to-speak. 

Actually, this is something that we must do. 

Homelessness, addiction, corruption, all the inequities in income, housing, and justice are of course priorities. But they are not alone. 

This issue of public monuments and memorials in the civic art collection is important. If we do this right, it can provide an enduring, inspiring, and healing aurora to our public spaces. 

All human minds are a product of our environment. The imagery, symbolism, and words expressed through monuments can be made into a source of wisdom, collaboration, and provide a sense of being seen and welcomed. It can also provide greater awareness of atrocity and offer catharsis that demonstrates our capacity for forgiveness. 

All humans are flawed, regardless of the greatness of their deeds or their spirit. We can eliminate the controversy that comes with all individuals and uplift the best of what humanity can offer. 

For this reason, the collection should no longer feature individuals. Rather, every piece should be an expression of the best our virtues, ideals, and values as well as provide recognition and atonement for past atrocities. After all, civilization has a history of making mistakes which are lessons we should pay forward. 

These works are pillars of the community that we can erect one time and yet establish a legacy with longevity. A gift to our posterity and an example of who we are and aspire to be. 

Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to share perspectives on how we as a city and a community can do better and thus be a better example for others. 

I yield the balance on my time.