An Open Letter to Thomas Jefferson

Mr. Jefferson:

Thank you for your contributions to United States Independence. The Declaration of Independence is particularly well composed, although the list of ‘complaints’ might have been a bit lengthy.

Did we really need to include:

“He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.”

Really? Mr. Jefferson, was that a necessary sentence? I would have flunked, if not expelled a Sophomore student for writing such.  Yes, I get it, different times, different centuries. But it does not reflect well on you and your brethren; Washington, Franklin et al. I Think John Adams is the most moral of all of you. George Washington fought against Native Americans and the French for the benefit of the British.

And how are the kids with your slave/mistress Sally Hemings, age 14, when you took her to France? Or for that matter your great-grandkids. African Americans with red hair?

I continue to promote the teachings of Professor Nickole Hannah-Jones author of the 1619 Project which I endorse as the definitive history of the United States of America. But what do I know? I’ve only been elected teacher of the year three times.  And she is clearly smarter than I am. Read her works.

That’s all for tonight.

Brother James

James Matthew Sawatzki.  001 253 756 5785. jamesmsawatzki@gmail.com