Monday Lesson From History

I lived in Charlottesville Virginia in the 1980s and 1990s, after moving there when I was 13. One thing immediately apparent was this was the city that loved its hero Thomas Jefferson. Not only was the University of Virginia the cultural center of the city but it was also the pride of the city. This was the beacon of the town, created by the vision of its famous resident, the third President of the United States. Everywhere in town were reminders of the affection and pride taken in the association with Thomas Jefferson. Restaurants named after him, historical markers designating important exploits, reminders of his nearby mansion on the hill, Monticello. School lectures always seemed to weave his national influence into their theme, no matter history, english or government. Yet now, with prominent signaling of virtue, Charlottesville has decided not to celebrate the birthday of its most honored former resident and founding father of the country in which we live. Yes, Jefferson was a flawed man, a complex person who embodied the conflicts of his time. While a champion for individual rights, he was a slave owner. A defender of the rights and responsibilities of the individual, he was infamous for not paying debts, and also guilty of having an illicit affair with one of his slaves.

But this man also risked execution by being a leader in the movement that gave birth to this nation. He wrote his own death sentence when he completed the Declaration of Independence. He represented Virginia in the Continental Congress, he became governor of his home state in 1779, and was elected this country’s third president in 1801. As president he led us in our first war against terrorism, confronting the pirates of the Barbary states on two occasions.

History is relevant for us to learn from that which preceded us, to examine the triumphs as well as the defeats, the glory and the shame, the great and the flawed. We are the ones truly flawed if we ignore the lessons of history, if we cover up or ignore people or events that are not perfect in our current definition of that word. We honor people and build statues to our heroes to celebrate their importance and their greatness, not to declare them immune from scrutiny and criticism. It is their example that can be used to inspire, but also to teach. For Jefferson, his life is one that deserves celebration because without his actions the freedom we enjoy may never have been realized. I would like to think we are mature and intelligent enough to also discuss his flaws and mistakes, as by doing so allows us to consider and improve our own.