That's certainly a valid point. I would offer that people also need history, of which Notre Dame's is undoubtedly quite rich given how long it has stood and its significance for almost a millenia. I had the pleasure of seeing it 2 years ago. It's rather awe inspiring, if not for its connection to christianity, certainly as a testament to what man is capable of creating.
There's some interesting "conspiracy theories" that suggest that there was a Russian campaign in during the early years of the Cold War to remove historically iconic and inspirational art work and sculptures. They infiltrated intellectual circles to create the mindset that an evil patriarchy should be overthrown by installing abstract corporate style statues and artwork. No one is inspired by a nebulous piece of corporate art. But statues of the founding fathers could give people, particularly men (the chief agents of resistance and war fighting) the inspiration to defend the values that made America what it is.
My point is that while we have a duty to help those that cannot help themselves (but not those who won't) we also have a long term responsibility to preserve our history.
Ok, now back to buttholes and cock jokes.