Journal for Jefferson

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/thomasjefferson

Thomas Jefferson was undoubtedly an exceptionally talented and accomplished man. His stature in American history is unparalleled, greater even than that of George Washington. Apart from authoring the Declaration of Independence, he founded the University of Virginia. He designed his beautiful residence at Monticello, as well as the Virginia State Capitol and the original buildings of the University of Virginia. He was a knowledgeable horticulturalist who was closely involved in the cultivation of his lands. He was an able statesman, serving as governor of Virgina, congressman, secretary of state, ambassador to France, vice president and president.

In the Declaration of Independence Jefferson eloquently and beautifully proclaimed that all men are fundamentally equal and possess certain rights that are God-given and inalienable. Yet as a major landholder Jefferson was the owner of hundreds of slaves. He was a typical slaveowner too, treating his slaves with the customary cruelty. To me this is such a fundamental flaw that it cannot be laid aside when looking at Thomas Jefferson. Perhaps if were only going to admire Jefferson for his talents as an architect or statesman, we could separate his slaveowning from his achievements and regard each separately. But when his greatness lies in his position regarding human rights, I don't think we can do that. What he set forth in the Declaration of Independence was a radical departure from the custom of allegiance to a monarch. We cannot then excuse the fact that he owned and sold slaves on the basis of custom or "the times". It is in direct contradiction to his passionately expressed convictions, and in my opinion it would be hypocrisy in us not to hold it against him. I think it taints his legacy in a very profound and serious way.

The White House web site tells us that "although the Constitution made no provision for the acquisition of new land, Jefferson suppressed his qualms over constitutionality when he had the opportunity to acquire the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon in 1803." It seems Thomas Jefferson was skilled at suppressing his qualms when it was in his interest to do so.