I will give Jefferson credit for being one of the great thinkers of his era and he was willing to dedicate himself to the pursuit of what he believed was best for the nation. Despite his writings/statements suggesting he was conflicted about slavery. His actions suggest he either wasn’t all that conflicted or managed to get over it.

Washington freed those of his slaves he owned outright after his death. Some, apparently by law that were also owned by his wife, he was unable to grant immediate freedom but they were to be freed upon her death. She became concerned they had too much incentive to expedite her death and freed them herself shortly after George died. Jefferson freed two slaves while living and five more of the hundreds he still owned after his death. At a minimum, he assisted in promoting the breeding of female slaves for the purpose of resale. We don’t know if he himself bred slaves but his statements show he certainly understood the economics.

I wish to make a comment about the Confederate statues. The vast majority were erected not immediately after the Civil War in remembrance of Southern heroes but in the mid-1900s as a reaction to Civil Rights and Voting Rights legislation, a statement of white superiority. Proposed and erected by many that were members of the Klan or White Councils that the Democrats who controlled the South at the time were proud to have in their ranks.

I can respect “the Founders” for having carved out a nation yet still be aware that the nation they built was done at the expense of indentured servants, slaves, Chinese workers, and that they believed rights only belonged to white, male, land-owners. From time to time I’m compelled to correct the version of history that’s most convenient to tell where all these people were heroes. Some of them were deeply flawed.

Lastly, though I disagree with many of his political views. I respect Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. I suspect had he not initially been appointed to fill a vacant seat, he never would have been elected but we’ll never know. I appreciate that, unlike Lindsay Graham who used to appear principled. Tim Scott held his ground and refused to support some of the deeply unqualified Judicial nominees when it came time for Senate ratification.

I appreciate your thoughtful comments, no doubt our paths will cross again.