"LIfe, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"

Gustavo Quintero
English 48A
December 14, 2007
Journal #35 Loewen Ch 5


Quote:
"During his long life, of hundreds of different slaves he owned, he freed only three, and five more at his death-all blood relatives of his"(Loewen 148).



Summary:
Loewen is discussing the hypocrisy behind what Thomas Jefferson wrote into the constitution and what he practiced in his life.



Response:
Loewen brings us another great example of just how flawed the American school systems and textbooks are. Every chapter that I read out of Loewen is enlightnening to me. I always learn something new from the facts that he presents. It really comes to a shock to me just how much this country praises it's "hero's". Granted Thomas Jefferson was the writer for one of the most significant documents in world history but as educated readers we must see what the complete truth is. The truth is that Thomas Jefferson was a slave owner that treated his slaves very poorly. He did not even have the consideration of freeing his slaves except the ones that were realted to him by the affairs he had. This paints quite a differant picture than the one most Americans see when they think of Thomas Jefferson.
I have seen a reaccuring trend in American history; Americans idolize past Americans under false pretences. Beside the obvious ones like Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, AOL recently had a great news article on Davey Crockett. Everyone thinks of Davey Crockett as the brave, racoon skin cap wearing, American who helped fend off Indian attacks. Research shows that he was quite a coward known for running away from battles. I'm just glad that I have been reading Loewen because his book has done a very good job and making me know the truth behind American history.