re: #265 Rightwingconspirator

I believe it to be unfair to judge a man of the 1700’s by the terms of 1900 let alone today. Thats why I refuse to buy into the anti Columbus day stuff. Given some optimism about the future I do not want to be judged by the improved standards of 2200. Slavery was an accepted fact then. I hesitate to hold that against those men.

I agree, but would argue that many of that generation knew, and clearly expressed, the immorality of slavery, and that Jefferson was one of them, which makes his inability to do what he knew to be right more troubling.

I am bothered by Jefferson, because I am so inspired by his work, and because I see him as a man who knew what he should do, but was held back by convention, unwillingness to sacrifice, and fear of the unknown.