In searching for more information on Thomas Jefferson I came across one
in particular which I wished I hadn't, another that denigrates his memory
in a lengthy, 2012 piece in the Smithsonian, "the dark side of Jefferson"
by Henry Wiencek.
It is expected to read the full measure of the man, but Wiencek wrote of
nothing but his relationship and treatment of his slaves. He couldn't have
cared less about Jefferson's contributions!
It troubles me to no end to see some historians continue to focus on anything
that will bring down many of America's greatest contributors, to fracture their
reputations knowing they are not here to defend themselves. And its rare to
find anyone to defend them.
Jefferson's ownership of slaves is not news, so Wiencek needed to give his
readers something more, and he did, portraying Jefferson in the "darkest light".
Thomas Jefferson certainly deserves his position in American history
as the author of the Declaration of Independence. But, he gave so much
more, gifting our nation more than any individual in our history.
Everyone who studied our country's founding knows the colonists
wanted to be free, while many doggedly refused to free those they
themselves held in bondage, Negroes slaves, taken from Africa.
Yet, nearly two hundred years after his death, Wiencek reminds
us Thomas Jefferson was a man of his times, not ours!
This has been the American paradox, the undeniable hypocrisy,
shared by countless Americans who owned slaves.
Just as Thomas Jefferson received acclaim for the Declaration,
it was but one accomplishment in a lifetime of accomplishments.
Yet, rather than look at this great American's life, Wiencek prefers
to vilify Jefferson once again over owning slaves.
Wiencek writes how badly Jefferson treated his slaves in great detail,
their treatment, the financial benefits, offering readers nothing of the
times he writes about.
Imagine only writing FDR imprisoned Japanese Americans during
World War II without recognizing his successes as our longest
serving president. Or that LBJ engaged in an undeclared war costing
nearly sixty thousand lives, but not the civil rights legislation passed.
In fact, neither man did as much for our country as Jefferson, yet
HE is the one being vilified today.
Trying to defend anyone who holds people in bondage is a fools
errand in this day and age. But, "why Jefferson and why now" is
a question which also needs to be asked.
Was Jefferson chosen for who he was; to take down the stature
he has earned for accomplishments most Americans may be
unaware of?
This Smithsonian piece doesn't 'set the record straight', the record
is already well known. But, it does give the author license to
embarrass Jefferson's heirs, which is cruel on its face.
Yes, he was a slave owner. And, yes, Jefferson clearly understood
the benefits he derived from the labor slaves provided. But, to
acknowledge these undeniable truths should not diminish what
Jefferson gave our country.
Let Jefferson rest in peace.......
Regards,
Anthony Bruno
Anthony Bruno
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