Can one recognize Roosevelt's legacy without defending the most pernicious aspects of the colonization of the americas that occured some 350 years prior? Given you can choose to view literally anything through the labels of oppressor and oppressed, this statue removal has less to do with any actual crimes than hiding examples of leadership and character that would bring shame to current political leaders.

This is a man who literally, and almost single handedly organized a volunteer army, which included a significant number of native americans, and took them to war against the vestiges of a european colonial power (Spain).

Roosevelt was a great and exceptional man, and a leader others followed willingly, often at great risk to themselves, and other than maybe Martin Luther King, or George Patton, he's probably the best political leader America has ever produced. (I recommend his book on the Rough Riders) His original involvemnent in politics was as a crusader against corruption, and he used his wealth for the one thing it should afford, which is to be able to stand by his principles.

People are welcome to do what they want with their cities, but in removing this statue, it will become like all banned art, a symbol of the pettiness and contemptibility of the regime that removed it, and of the individual human greatness they fear most.