Why Thomas Jefferson's descendants want his memorial to come down

CNN's Poppy Harlow talks with Lucian Truscott and Shannon LaNier, descendants of Thomas Jefferson, about what they think of Jefferson's Memorial in Washington DC, as protestors tear down monuments and statues of slave owners and Confederate generals across the nation.
Footage for the Smithsonian shot by Drew Gardner
Website: drewgardner.com
Instagram: @drewgardnerphotographer
#CNN #News

[@karascene13]

Leave it up, or tear it down. BUT-- add the whole story- just like his descendants are saying! Add the founding mother's, etc... Tell the story just like at Monticello.

[@decimustv4257]

Agreed

[@JohnFreedman0]

Can we also throw in some texts about MLK being firmly against gay marriage, and known for beating his wife? Pretty easy to rip any historical figure apart if you want too. We usually try to focus on what they got right. Yes though clearly this entire country, and all it's infrastructure for over 328 million people by roughly 4 million uneducated slaves........

[@julius6238]

John Freedman omg where have you been? Lol

[@Mike-ye8qv]

Yes and at all Muslim churches there needs to be a sign that says Muhammad owned slaves

[@Nostalg33]

@@JohnFreedman0 This is not true ! There are no historical proof of MLK beating his wife. Please source your claims. He did said that homosexuality was a problem but as a religious figure this is basic but still nobody is perfect but slave owners did real harm and OWNED humans as their PROPERTY: This is fucked up

[@tphipps7665]

Harriet Tubman is one of the most amazing, brave, fascinating humans in history.

[@SorbusAucubaria]

@ides of march now i doubt your claims can be trusted, they doesn't change the fact that he was brutally murdered by people who bring shame on everyone in law enforcement. and shame on you spreading rumors that bear no relevance on the fact that george floyd was slowly tortured to death.

[@verjoe2001]

Yes she was a strong woman I would of loved to meet her

[@juspete5527]

Because she's black?

[@morrisbravo1804]

You heard the descendant. And that’s that.

[@williemckinney2168]

@ides of march shame on you, your one of those that when you hear of a black man shot by police, he's guilty before proving innocent" Because, your people taught you that the way it's supposed to be, your alright,.sending American's to fight over the rights in someone else's country, but , YOU are against another American rights in his on country( brainwashed by your grandparents who was brainwashed by a plantation owner to fight for his "free labor" 280, 000 people lost their lives cause he didn't want to start paying for laborers. Hate for no reason, just because. Now,.as far as no know a true American, would try help his country to be as strong as possible, a terrorist wouldn't.

[@coralclark5979]

Kudos to Jefferson’s descendants for speaking out with so much clarity and honesty.

[@Dantana1]

As if you have ever done anything in your life remotely close to what Jefferson achieved.

[@dopier12]

@Science Basketball I'm assuming you don't think you are! Lol!

[@Angel-tw3ko]

@@Dantana1 what good does it do to profit the world and lose his soul?

[@bigrivtodagled8210]

T. S. Read what you wrote and meditate it, maybe it will strike you.

[@joel4212]

​@T. S. Why are you even trying man? lol Once you understand their entire makeup of self-worth and morality is predicated on sacrificing logic and reasoning for anyone they see as a victim, you realize arguing with these nimwits and using fact base logic to create the whole picture is like talking to a wall.

[@joycenaylor4488]

"We are not erasing history, we are expanding the truth." I like that

[@janc460]

Wow i agree.

[@anitabonghit266]

Ok then add the whole truth. Add the fact that in one the original drafts of the declaration TJ wanted all slaves free and all people equal. The reason why that never made it in the final draft is because two states didn’t want that and refused to sign. The declaration needed all signatures of the states for it to work

[@donaldtrumplover2254]

Ye not erasing history by getting rid of anything associated to important characters of history...

[@crdorado1195]

@@anitabonghit266 another fact that is conveniently dismissed, even I didn't know it until 2 weeks ago(and I've visited Monticello several times); the state of Virginia had a law that as a slave owner, one can NOT free his slaves. That could have been a large part of TJ's mindset/dilemma. I just don't believe that he only felt gratitude towards Sally and her/their children as well as his main male slave. I think that their were others that TJ had a good sense of friendship towards, but because of the Law, he couldn't free them. Also, the two states that opposed the freedom of slaves were in the north.

[@evanleebuxton1054]

Nat Turner's Revolt ADOS Reparations is an awful idea. If you’re gonna give reparations to an oppressed people then you have to think about other oppressed people’s. The Irish, the natives, Jews, Mormons, Chinese, Japanese, etc. Reparations are not owed to people who happened to be oppressed a long time ago.

[@tofythebear1641]

United We Stand. Divided We Fall.

[@Simbaforlife]

He's my friend So was I

[@MyUniqueVibe]

Russia and China won the lotto with Trump's election.

[@duncandunn1930]

We are falling

[@megadog5743]

Ser Twice the Thrice Obama is the reason someone like trump got elected.

[@charlesgallagher1376]

Stand together and dump Dumb Donald in Nov.

[@normasouza-brien2357]

The history of the country as taught in schools is actually a mirage. If the truth is taught in its entirety would really be a healing experience and a benefit for all.

[@karolschwartz625]

Exactly, I’m so pleased I ran across this video. Those men have been friends for 20yrs, there is so much history that has been kept from us, starting in elementary school. These two descendants could teach us so much. Best feeling I’ve had In 3 1/2 years. Would love to see them together talking to our children and teens. Amazing

[@rmendez182]

If any of you people find a country without an offensive past, your free to move there!

[@ManekinPeace]

@@rmendez182 You missed the point. But many countries actually talk about their dark past. If you accept the dark stuff, the healing can begin...

[@terreb2002]

@@ManekinPeace Correct.Every country has a past but the USA hides it and continues the processes and systems. Society has turned a blind eye and accepts a partial truth, which is a lie, as the gospel. Can't truly move forward until the past and present are dealt with to move towards a brighter future.

[@Thebertk1]

@MJB For Trump people have been protesting monuments to slave owners for decades

[@losvegan6382]

I want to see all the extremely old famous peoples grandchildren like just in a room together

[@yikesscoob2828]

The Room where everything will go down

[@inlog7602]

Yikes Scoob the room where it happens*

[@flukeoutdrsy650]

How about a monument honoring those who supported the Underground Railroad to help slaves?

[@liveoak144]

There are some statues of Harriet. Maybe this monument could be built around one of these statues?

[@CoolNinja925]

Nah

[@furtim1]

They exist.

[@lsjdkdldlddkmdld]

@Johnny Rotten and a slave owner don't forget that

[@captainpalsy2092]

@@lsjdkdldlddkmdld Apparently Someone doesn't he actually didn't agree with slavery, but I can guarantee you have never researched the man and you strike as the type that parrots what is said.

[@HotdogJuice]

Let This be a lesson America. We are relatives fighting each other in many cases. We are brothers

[@mscoyote50]

And sisters.

[@JosephKulik2016]

Dear tim: They can tear down ALL the statues but all that means NOTHING until Americans understand that this nation was founded by Rich White Men who wrote a Constitution to solely benefit the Rich White Men of America for countless generations to come. That's why Jefferson saying "All men are created equal" is NOT Contradictory at all. By "all men" he was actually referring to "all Rich White Men" like himself. That doesn't even include poor working White men like me in 2020. This Constitution of Rich White Men doesn't even include a provision to mandate the Rich White Men who rule America today to care for Average White Guys like me during this prevailing pandemic. We need a NEW American Constitution today that benefits ALL Americans, and not just the Rich White Men. Tearing down all the statues doesn't even take one step in that direction. ... [e-mail]

[@briobarb8525]

Are we really?

[@briobarb8525]

@@doctorpoopypantz6003 Yes...then he would "Fire you," as soon as you disagreed with him ON ANY POINT!!! (By tweet!)

[@rstuv8141]

Yes, like the civil war. It would be nice if we could mend as brothers and sisters.

[@mo.6ix]

📚 Basic History Lesson: The confederates were enemies of the union (United States of America)

[@mo.6ix]

@Jack Reagan You're not even american, why do you have the american flag as your profile picture? Just because they're part of history we shouldn't have to have public statues of enemies of America a la terrorists (even American ones)

[@chrisfutrell3163]

So was crazy horse, he has a monument too. Tear it down

[@Skturfer]

@Jack Reagan I dont see how taking down statues that's seen as a major hate symbol down. And putting them in museums. Taking down statues doesn't equal erasing them. Cmon bro. Where's the logic.

[@Theonetruegod-hw2ei]

@Jack Reagan and republicans are fascist and communist. What is your point?

[@Theonetruegod-hw2ei]

@@chrisfutrell3163 the natives dont want it. So yes give it back and let them tear it down.

[@MacJaxonManOfAction]

These two guys have such an eloquent and sensible solution: don't *erase* Jefferson, but make sure the entire story is told. Too many people nowadays seem bent on erasing history, which does no-one any favours... Jefferson did great and terrible things; both should be recorded.

[@terrionsmith1389]

He and his sister were on Oprah in 1999. He is a good man. Blessings to him and his family

[@ddoubleu170]

So happy I found your comment because I was going to write the same exact thing.

[@gshsgsfruwfhr5709]

Which man are you referring to. I didn't watch Oprah

[@angelacanedit]

@@gshsgsfruwfhr5709 Lucian Truscott

[@jamessmith7909]

They say those who forget history are bound to repeat it. What happens to a society who never learns it, or refuse to accept it?

[@way2kool89]

They complain about racist statuses, complain about minorities wanting history to be told correctly, they elect an idiot, they call a movement against police brutality bad, etc

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

Doodle Doo Doo Wow, your intellect must be phenomenal! How DID you manage to figure out this huge conspiracy when tens of thousands of other intelligent people had no idea! Absolutely laughable.

[@jcast39atmsn]

We do not learn history through statues.

[@nhragold1922]

These people are on the road to find out the hard way!

[@nhragold1922]

@@jcast39atmsn the ignorance of you people will create a civil war at this rate.

[@butch4111]

Agreed!! Let's tell the whole story. I remember in grade school what we were taught was very one sided.

[@ElimGarakSpoonHead]

Hey BLM killed an 8 year black girl why wont CNN mention it?????

[@steveandrews7434]

The rest of the developed world have been saying it for decades. American history isn't real history, what you're taught is the American version of it -- World War two comes to mind in the misrepresentation of history due to Americanism.

[@jeffhernadez329]

@@steveandrews7434 how explain

[@Ksb88]

Some people don't want the truth. They live to comfortably in denial.

[@JavierFernandez01]

Slavery bad, now back to the industrial revolution! Who invented the cotton gin? Who started the pony express?

[@jamesmcdaniel5239]

The black guy looks more like Thomas Jefferson than the white guy .

[@MizzPrecious92]

Don’t he??? All these generations and he looks just like him smh

[@allies7184]

@@MizzPrecious92 That's the first thing I thought when I saw him!

[@stephaniedraper4464]

I think they both look very similar, one is just older and saggier.

[@purpleflametarot39]

Lucien has the more sculptured, chisled look. Shannon has the more refined look.

[@jogmas12]

Strong genes that Thomas

[@youforget1000thingsaday]

Sally Hemmings was a whole child..

[@arid3595]

Thumbs up. Child rape should never be legal. And it shouldn't have ever been accepted. The end.

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

Adulthood was 12 - 15 for 99% of human history. Hamilton lived on his own at 14.

[@wingscheezit1571]

@@arid3595 it wasnt rape. She loved him. She was his consensual wife.

[@jadelu6804]

wings cheezit if she was his consensual wife? Why didn’t we have a black First Lady? Last I heard, his wife was Martha Jefferson and Sally Hemmings was his slave.

[@wingscheezit1571]

@@jadelu6804 Martha died and then he had a secret affair with Sally. It was VERY taboo at the time for a mixed couple, so he kept her secret.

[@paullie1963]

Doctor Robert Lee, direct descendant of Robert E Lee also feels Robert E Lee's statue should come down. That says a lot.

[@ElimGarakSpoonHead]

Hey BLM killed an 8 year black girl why wont CNN mention it?????

[@cmorris9494]

Robert e Lee didn't want statues in the first place

[@Dommy521]

Robert E Lee never wanted statues

[@alib9937]

@@ElimGarakSpoonHead Why do you continue to do so? Thats not what this exchange is about. If you want to talk about an 8 year old being killed, go watch a clip of it and comment there.

[@medusagorgo5146]

Elim Garak BLM didn’t kill anyone. Individuals killed her. BLM is an organisation, can you differentiate between the two? Quit trying to racialise the situation. If you continue to do so you might want to worry about white on white crime which is a huge problem in this country.

[@madz1806]

Did you notice Jefferson,and his 2 descendants all have the identical nose.

[@rasheeda1303]

Can our white family of descendants help get reperation checks 😔🇺🇸

[@elleMerci_bey]

Ms M no because slaveholders already received reparations. The government actually gave these human traffickers $300 for ever enslaved person they were made to set free.

[@rasheeda1303]

@@elleMerci_bey I'm not talking about human traffick funds..#reperations..

[@nunook5522]

@@rasheeda1303 No, sorry, even though you are a descendant of the first people on earth who came from Africa, your people were not brought here on ships to be enslaved.

[@ra_8072]

@@rasheeda1303 we are certainly owed reparations due to the systemic racism that has oppressed us for generations. My grandmother who recently passed away she was 103 born in 1917 her mother was enslaved and was raised as a share cropper and our generations are still dealing with racism. It's a hard conversation to have but its needed.

[@realattaboy]

If I was a descendent of President Jefferson, I would wander tall among the people of the earth knowing that I had one of the greatest human beings as an ancestor

[@mannysabir1339]

One person here said that tell the whole story. The same thing needs to be done in history classes around the country. End this endocrination.

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

Yes, we need to tell the whole story. We need to teach about Comancheria alongside Manifest Destiny, we need to teach about Imperial Japan alongside Nazi Germany, we need to teach about Islamic Conquests alongside the Crusades, we need to teach about the Barbary Pirates alongside the trans-Atlantic Slave trade. But the left has done their damnedest to ensure children only grow up knowing about half of those 8 things and there's no prize for guessing which half.

[@kingkong8974]

Dennis you are right: I talk about all of that as well as some sick slavery from Asians. I am Asian and I can tell you my people did way more evil shit haha. I tell Americans about the Arab motors and the North African motors who enslaved southern for 800 years, and the Arab moors who enslaved Southern Europe and 400 years. The Mongols enslaved Finland and other Nordic countries

[@jetsrule07748]

Absolutely, we also need to add to MLK Jr.s statue that he was unfortunately homophobic and teach that in classrooms

[@chiefslinginbeef3641]

@@jetsrule07748 you blaspheme.

[@christopherjustice6411]

Build a monument to the victims of slavery next to the Jefferson Memorial.

[@ElimGarakSpoonHead]

Hey BLM killed an 8 year black girl why wont CNN mention it?????

[@AlexisDimes]

Elim Garak This is the second comment I’ve seen from you about this. Where did you hear or see this happen?

[@ElimGarakSpoonHead]

Alexis Dimes kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6OVZ2upbql7mLc

[@ElimGarakSpoonHead]

Alexis Dimes theres the link

[@ElimGarakSpoonHead]

Double Jeopardy kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6OVZ2upbql7mLc

[@taw8963]

I would love, LOVE a Harriet Tubman statue.

[@11Nosferatu11]

That shit getting defaced and tore down asap.

[@girlonfire00net]

Go put one up nothing is stopping you. The President already said he is going to put another one up.

[@deborahfreedman333]

There are two that I know of, one in New York City, the other in Boston. Of course, with so many statues being torn down by idiots, like the ones that tore down the Frederick Douglas statue, one or two may be gone now.

[@jackpark2012]

@bryanatwku I dont think men have vaginas so...

[@DarkFawful]

bryanatwku you can't switch genders trans people are still the same genders because they still have male organs or female organs.

[@billygunn7180]

Jefferson's slaves loved him immensely. When he returned from Europe, they couldn't contain their excitement. They were lucky to be there. Most people weren't fortunate enough to meet him. They had the privilege of seeing him on many occasions.

[@rickswordfire6329]

Spoken like an American with no education

[@starflower_journals6229]

I didn't know that he had children with one of his slave? This is the type of history they don't teach us in school. Something needs to change in the school system.

[@jetpacmozi746]

I don’t think you paid attention in class or you cared to know because I’ve heard it multiple times in history class

[@davidm1926]

@@jetpacmozi746 Curious what years you two went to school. I graduated from high school in 1991 in Massachusetts and I don't remember hearing about it. Maybe schools have addressed it in more recent decades.

[@bruja6819]

@@jetpacmozi746 nope , never in our history books

[@joselara5694]

@@bruja6819 Its not in history books, but i do remember teachers always telling us that he had children with his slaves. Its not a question on any tests though

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

There is almost no evidence of that. These people are just anti-American shitsacks. All we know for certain is that one of Sally's kids had Jefferson DNA, and it was probably Randolph Jefferson. He was caught sneaking out of Sally's cabin multiple times by Edmund Bacon, the plantation overseer. If Thomas had fathered the kid, he would have been old and sickly at the time.

[@ks9610]

When it comes to the discussion of which statues should stay or go, I think you have to consider who the person is/was, the era from which they came & the circumstances of why the statue was erected. - The more pressing matter right now has to do with Confederate statues, which I think should all be taken down & put in a museum. The obvious reason to take them down is that the Confederates were traitors who declared war on the US; the not-so obvious reason is that the majority of Confederate statues weren’t raised after the Civil War, they were raised during the era of Jim Crow in the south, specifically to antagonize black people & make them fearful. So, yes, tear them all down!

[@celestemontalvo8303]

All statutes should stay in a Museum honoring our country"s history which cannot be changed nor edited nor removed from the history books!

[@celestemontalvo8303]

We need to come to terms with the truth about our country and accept the facts of all our wrongs!

[@celestemontalvo8303]

Now is the time to change our country"s course in this world!

[@Krakenator607]

Thomas Jefferson wasn’t a confederate

[@ks9610]

@@celestemontalvo8303 Absolutely! Slavery, Native American genocide, Japanese internment camps … these are ugly, horrific things that our country is responsible for. However, the cathartic effect of addressing these things now is the realization that - yes, our country is responsible for doing those things, but we, the citizens of today, are not. What we are responsible for is safeguarding against them happening again.

[@richardmarsh4993]

It's not about erasing history. It's about giving the past a proper burial. 🇬🇧 ♥ 🇺🇸 🗽

[@PaulBunyun1954]

Does that's include all the WHITE people who DIED because they disagreed with slavery. Abe Lincoln..Ullysus Grant.

[@richardmarsh4993]

@@PaulBunyun1954 That includes every day before today. We can remember the past without living in it (and without rose-tinted spectacles). Onwards and upwards. Proper burials are about CLOSURE.

[@declan__767]

I don’t believe we should tear down the Jefferson memorial, I think we should reform it to tell his whole story as suggested by his decendents. Also, there should absolutely be a Harriet Tubman memorial in DC!

[@gregoryevanscallaway3368]

It is said that one day while musing with his friends about slavery he said: "If there is a GOD, we are going to pay for this."

[@paulsawczyc5019]

Gonna pay for what is done to animals too.

[@purpleflametarot39]

@Larry David - I've heard the internet described as the "Beast" in the Bible. I'll have to look it up, but it talks about his web going around the world.. the worldwide web or _____?

[@stevebarlowe6588]

@@paulsawczyc5019 dude we’re talking about slavery, not eating or testing animals or whatever you’re talking about.

[@paulsawczyc5019]

@@stevebarlowe6588 Hey - I'm not allowed to make a little side comment to stimulate the conversation? I'm a slave that needs to keep his mouth shut? Horses, mules, donkeys, and many other animals are work slaves - so yes, I am talking about slavery.

[@nelroc2300]

Lucian Truscott is an inspiration to humanity because he walks on the side of truth instead of misconceptions and lies god bless this man.

[@samtimberlake4475]

I'm your 100th like

[@moose6784]

@Nat Turner's Revolt ADOS You just have this response ready to paste on the go? I think that's what spamming is called

[@jayrobert8421]

@Lydia Frazier yeah you can. They have nothing to do with it at all. The fact they are using to fit their agenda doesnt change when they are descendants

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

The fact that factophobic piece of shit didn't even bother to skim Jefferson's wikipedia page before coming onto the show. Thomas Jefferson was the greatest anti-slavery crusader up until Lincoln. He drafted the Northwest Ordinance of 1784, he signed the bill that stopped slave importation to the United States, and he tried to abolish slavery as President. There's also almost no evidence he knocked up Sally Hemmingway. All we know is that someone in the Jefferson family did (probably Randolph, who was caught sneaking out her cabin multiple times by Edmund Bacon), and if it had been Thomas he would have been old and sickly at the time.

[@art3misx2so]

@@Dennis-nc3vw yeah, he did do all of that...All whole owning slaves, who built his entire estate. No one is saying he was trash, theyre just saying we should know the whole truth. You can deny DNA all you want, but there is FAR more evidence than just the DNA that proves they were his children, as compared to the very little anecdotal evidence saying they weren't.

[@caseydecosto6829]

This is very refreshing to see. Tell the full story of history. Let’s start talking about founding mothers. Recognize other people.

[@beckylane5109]

So refreshing that they want to see their own great great gradfathers statue taken down. It says alot about them. These people know exactly whats right for the country. ❤

[@RUTHLESSambition5]

Jefferson was a rapist and molester🤣🤣🤣 he is burning in hell still🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Rune-Thorne]

the Jefferson descendants are an amazing bunch, and trying to live what they're great grand could not. they are trying to stand for his ideals, celebrate his words, but display his weakness, and how he himself couldn't live up to his ideals.

[@caseydecosto6829]

Becky Lane Exactly. It’s nice knowing his descendants are knowledgable enough to recognize Jefferson’s horrible actions towards the formation of the US. (:

[@Dean4511]

Doesn't mean we can't honor the legacy of the Founding Fathers to do it. We can do both.

[@toniarenee2709]

Please tell Lucien he’s invited to the BBQ

[@rexodeuce5035]

Grateful to have lived long enough to learn these inconvenient truths. This knowledge was hidden in plain sight for centuries. I always want to know the truth, no matter where that truth leads. Knowing's the only way to grow.

[@bridge4]

great segment! two great men here. and hear, hear to the founding mothers!

[@beckylane5109]

Hear hear!!

[@iykigugu6798]

@@beckylane5109 i got kombatrolled 🤫kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6aTfatniciLl5Y

[@ktraglin]

@Matt Thompson Why is it that someone who raped enslaved people is more your "cup of tea"?

[@ktraglin]

@TheBase1aransas This might be new information to you, but it's been that way for almost every rich country for waaaayyy longer than 4 years.

[@bridge4]

@@beckylane5109 :))))

[@public.public]

They both inherited the better side of Jefferson. Well done both of you.

[@SteveeLeePhillips]

He had no better side

[@upstateNYfinest]

@@SteveeLeePhillips im pretty sure he did. You cant just paint these historical figures as "all good" or "all evil"

[@pattydonohue5452]

Best story I've heard yet. These two are a shining example of how all people can unite and understand our true history. I'm all for giving praise to our founding Mothers, too! These are strong intelligent men with their heads and hearts in the right place.

[@romancandle416]

Yeah, nothing says "uniting people" like tearing down statues of the Founding Fathers.

[@warrenrhinerson6373]

Here’s the thing, this is not true history. Not even close to it. The DNA test that supposedly prove Jefferson, father children, sally Hemmings, only showed that he was the potential father of only one of her children and even then the DNA test used Jefferson’s uncle as the source not exactly accurate for predicting paternity. even the scientist who conducted the DNA test stated that Jefferson was one of only 26 possible fathers, and the most likely one was Jefferson’s younger brother Randolph

[@adriennebolles711]

I want to see Sally's cave. I was taught she was given a house on the property. Truth is more fascinating. These 2 are a greater example of human potential.

[@CrixusHeart]

@TheDalaiLamasGlasses I thought I saw that it was connected to his bedroom?

[@devilmecare]

@Moon Rise they weren't what he was attracted to.

[@art3misx2so]

@Moon Rise his white wife (Sally's half sister Martha) had already passed away, his white kids were already grown and out of the house. It was mostly just him and his slaves during this time period.

[@SnakeOmni]

She was a 13 year old child that was raped repeatedly by a man who was in his 40s. A child he OWNED. A slave has no power to withhold or give consent. That isn't human potential, that is pedophilia and power. It is a tale as old as time and you trying to glorify it is disgusting.

[@waltergodsoe5526]

Bravo to both men. All our heroes have feet of clay. Give racism, murder and rape no quarter.

[@mickeye6428]

You are stupid like them.

[@thatdiyguyraymondmonk1225]

We should change the “All men were created equal” to “All people were created equal” Then we would be truly making a meaningful statement!

[@crystalm4324]

jcoffeeexpress Except ‘Changing Things’ IS how the USA was founded in the first place. If you do not continue to change, you will become stagnant and putrid.

[@KennethHuntington1]

Should we also change the phrase "history of man" and other proper species describing uses for the word "man?" It's ridiculous, petty and socially reckless to run around changing everything that makes us feel uneasy because of an ideological dogma.

[@crystalm4324]

Kenneth Huntington - except he wasn’t referring to species there. He was referring to equal rights under the law and women fought for and achieved that equality from property to individuals, just the same, or even harder and longer than slavery in the USA. In some places where it is against the law to own slaves, women are STILL considered PROPERTY and second class citizens with no rights. Now you can dive into all the letters and labels, people today feel enlightened to use for their feelings of self. Or you can simply say that ALL PEOPLE under the law are equal.

[@larryscarr1929]

Man is a species, including woman.. We however, were not created, so if you want to change it, change the part that's wrong.

[@larryscarr1929]

@@elizabethkraszewski6603 You could learn allot from all kinds of smart people, but instead, we got trump and fox news, and churches spreading stupid faster then corona.

[@cjbrewer7]

Shannon looks more like Thomas Jefferson the Lucian Truscott does.

[@allensnea9335]

@connie brewer. I dunno, Shannon is young I guess and was probably just as old as when Thomas Jefferson was president but Lucian truscott is older than when Thomas Jefferson was president so it’s not the biggest picture.

[@janjISMYname]

Agree

[@cjbrewer7]

@@allensnea9335 After i wrote this i saw a older painting of Jefferson and Lucian looks like him in that one.

[@lmichelle80sbaby]

😂😂😂 Very Strong genes! It's amazing to see and have no doubt of the connection.

[@parengthonycastillo4272]

@3:04 He really does!

[@tracylabad2080]

These two are real Americans, who know that we are all human. God bless you both.

[@gravyguns]

Only the native Americans are the real Americans, everyone else came as a result of invasion, usurpation, and illegal occupation.

[@JackieTrainwreck]

All white men are created equal. Thats what he meant

[@alexparrish1057]

History lesson: almost every country was involved in slave trade up until the 1800s as well as conquering land. This was history. Not perfect, but it was. Learn from it. AND UNDERSTAND THE US CHANGED AND THE FACT WE ARE FREE TO CHANGE MAKES THIS COUNTRY GREAT🇺🇸. Democrats are trying to destroy it.

[@jamsid33]

you got a problem with white men?

[@kernalbert4939]

@@jamsid33 With terrible ones. Don't you?

[@erayv8797]

​@Matt Thompson for once stop shifting topics and just be proud of being a racist...its ok to be brave

[@erayv8797]

@@alexparrish1057 for once stop shifting topics and just be proud of being a racist...its ok to be brave

[@robinaddis-vaughn7271]

Those genes didn't go too far when you see his grandson 9xs over, dressed like him. The shape of his face, square chin ....both are remarkable men.

[@lexyswope]

The 'white' one sort of looks like George Washington.

[@WYSOAlums]

@@lexyswope Yes, and I do think the Black one is very handsome.

[@robinaddis-vaughn7271]

@Boogaloo Bill He had at least 6 children with Sally, 4 survived to adulthood. Those 4 children may have married and so on and so forth. Genetics are sneaky little rascals that have a way of popping back into your life GENERATIONS after the original child was born. Blue eyes and red hair are always great examples, especially if both parents have dark hair and eyes. I imagine that if their are pictures of the 4 surviving children, you might be surprised to see what features are carried forward into future generations. I don't look a thing like my mama's side of the family, all dark hair, olive skin and the majority of them had chocolate eyes, all indicative of our Cherokee ancestory. I have a picture of my great-grannie 6-8 times past and she's been so anglicized, it's almost impossible to see her Native American roots. She was 100% pure Cherokee. My brother and cousins got a lot of the common traits. But, she had very large, distinct eyes that no one else in the immediate family has ever had, until my cousin, 6 months younger than myself, was born. You compare those pictures, and genetics are SNEAKY, just like Thomas's secrets. But, eventually, the truth comes out.

[@lexyswope]

@@WYSOAlums I agree. Extremely handsome.

[@lexyswope]

@@robinaddis-vaughn7271 Also now we have DNA results.

[@alexgeehr7284]

You can’t tell Jefferson’s story without the slavery and his second family. BUT that doesn’t mean you can’t memorialize him for the good that he did.

[@dopier12]

Humans are beautiful when they start getting on the road to enlightenment. Good on you all!

[@reneerenee9774]

I think we need more Native American statues

[@ktraglin]

Evidence that "grown ups" who are willing to learn are able to evolve from the glorified stories we were told as children.

[@mattfoley7881]

Kyle Raglin - Looks more like evidence that some “grown ups” are more interested in trying to erase history than learn its lessons and apply them to creating a better future.

[@ktraglin]

@@billb.7346 The stories we were told as children left out the bad parts. That was to "glorify this man" / "sugar-coat history".

[@MarquisYourBrotha]

@cj p then tear it down then, fair is fair. whites love to use the "what about card" what ever mlk did still doesn't make Jefferson statues right. Tear it down and if you don't like it THEN GTFO OF MY COUNTRY!!

[@MarquisYourBrotha]

@@billb.7346 LMAO important writings lmao!!! writings like all are created equal and liberty and JUSTICE for all

[@MarquisYourBrotha]

@@mattfoley7881 should we put up a statue of osama bin laden, you know so we never forget our lessons

[@TropicalLatitude]

Sally Hemmings was Jefferson's dead wife's younger half sister. One of their kids "Young Tom" had red hair and became a focus of New Englanders who thought Jefferson's life was immoral.

[@yay7707]

Sally Hemming was also a slave Jefferson raped Sally and married her when she was only 15 Some sources say that sally and Jefferson was half sibling which only makes this more fucked up Not related to what the comment originally meant but-

[@mizzgeek99]

@@yay7707When and where did Jefferson marry Sally Hemmings?

[@yay7707]

Oop, I was high sorry I meant that Jefferson raped her

[@deeward729]

PLS. GOD WILL. JUDGE.

[@deeward729]

All this was in. the Pass. He is dead and can not speak. Why bring this up now. God. Will. Judge.

[@garyjohnson8327]

Of course don't mention Indian policy while we are getting the whole story.

[@bernadetteleonard4940]

Marvin Bennett 💯

[@sherylhoward4831]

@Marvin Bennett They have for years. Nobody listens.

[@Cornbreadfed82]

@Marvin Bennett What an idiotic comment.

[@jackdamenace13]

KZbin Moderator 💯 It’s sad how most people don’t realize how anti black a lot of Native Americans are.

[@hellokitty2397]

The indigenous people hated and still hate black people. For those who don’t know, google Native American slave holders on the trail of tears. They also fought hard to continue to own black people as property way past the legal ending of slavery. Google is y’all friend. You’re welcome.

[@pamelawirt2315]

I went to school with Lucian Truscott, in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He is a West Point graduate, and his father was a Medal of Honor winner. He is actually Lucien Truscott III. Good to see that he is on the side of right.

[@HEAT4.0]

I work on base at ft Leavenworth lmao small world

[@fredarroyo7429]

If he aint preaching Christ at all timed he aint right

[@m.coleman]

"...Jefferson and *the girl he enslaved* , Sally Hemings..." There, I fixed it for you! She was a girl/woman-- humanize her! No one can own a human! They were enslaved!

[@way2kool89]

She was 14 years old so she was a child

[@way2kool89]

Doodle Doo Doo well we can try, let’s see lol

[@m.coleman]

@@way2kool89 Thank you. You're right--I corrected my mistake.

[@zoe_sings]

Thank you for this!❤

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

14 was considered an adult back then. Hamilton was on his own at 14. George Washington started a survey company at 15.

[@alyjulmim8447]

The black guy looks more like Jefferson than the white guys does.

[@not-even-german4892]

Yepppp strong genes

[@ferdinand002]

Wow fr

[@r.harris5615]

😞😞😞😞

[@Lady.Tijuri]

omg....yes he does.

[@jamesedwards4251]

Real talk

[@lileelisamc.4722]

Shannon and Lucian actually bear a resemblance to one another and it's striking how much Shannon looks like Jefferson, even after all of these generations. Beautiful family....

[@ash_posh_omg]

Wow that’s interesting that they found these individuals.

[@leannathomas2013]

It wasn't hard to find them. They are both actively involved with Monticello.

[@hyg44gu54]

Found them? We’re they lost?

[@robinluich6626]

Its CNN, the guy probably is lying.

[@reneastory6296]

God don’t make no mistakes

[@jsmcguireIII]

Thomas Jefferson's 1802 letters to the Danbury Baptists are some of the most important documents in our history. They are the foundation of the SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE - which to this day is ignored with impunity by politicians for their own ambitions.

[@icedmorning7610]

@Billy Cole II That phrase does not exist in the constitution. Nowhere in the constitution does it directly state that church and state are separate. However, the first amendment states that: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...". This quote came from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to Danbury Baptists that said: “...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.” Judging by this letter it can be assumed that the purpose of that statement in the first amendment is to separate church and state.

[@Earthad23]

Billy Cole II do you want a state run religious preference? I prefer secularism but I can’t keep up with the loony left these days

[@icedmorning7610]

@Chitlins Justice I don’t think that state religion is really a left-wing belief. I’m not certain, but since a good portion of conservatives want religion to be included in education I assume that they wouldn’t be opposed to state run religion.

[@incognito-yj4gu]

As a conservative I believe in separation of church and state. As Jesus said, " Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's." The governments of this world are not God's government.

[@Earthad23]

IcedMorning I was being sarcastic , I can’t imagine any Americans would like the idea of a state religious preference, that’s why I joked it must be a new loony left idea like having no more dads in the house or free cars for everyone.

[@sbdno10]

He’s the author of the Declaration of Independence. That’s why it’s there.

[@lizfair5157]

Is he?

[@perdog9859]

@@lizfair5157 Yes

[@stevewise1656]

Jefferson kept his slaves until the end.

[@theflyinhawaiiantravels354]

And never freed them. The were assets of property.

[@moose6784]

he wouldn't have been able to, it was extremely difficult if not impossible to free slaves in virginia at the time

[@andrewvelonis5940]

@@moose6784 That's what I heard; that there was a law that if you tried to grant manumission, the state would declare the grant void, seize the slaves and sell them. There is some thinking that he might have granted manumission had it not been for that law, but who knows really

[@evanleebuxton1054]

Moose Washington freed his slaves

[@moose6784]

@@evanleebuxton1054 I wasn't talking about washington, who died different place and time where and when laws were different. My point still stands

[@garsm2290]

Time to move on. Time to dump racism.

[@jobwesleycoxjr5103]

@Dragon1717 oh whites are suffering so much lmaooo

[@samirachami2209]

Move on!!! Explain that to white supremacists. They need to be re educated and come out of ignorance. We are all created the same.

[@jobwesleycoxjr5103]

@Dragon1717 so you're simply too doofy to frame things anotjer way that still includes those you call fascists being racists rather than those you support?

[@michaelrainey9668]

“Flaws and greatness in tact.”. Which is a more accurate telling of American history and its “icons”. Stop treating American history like a superhero origin story. Just tell the truth. Thats where the lessons are.

[@axel665]

well i wonder if we managed to get world history like that but no you forgot history is controlled by victors the thing i find annoying is that these protestors also dont acknowledge he is the reason they are given this right. you have to look both flaws and good

[@chiefslinginbeef3641]

@@axel665 I would like your comment but gulags are looking more likely every day.

[@harichard6366]

Uh, it is pretty much as close as we can get to a superhero origin story. China has a giant golden statue of Mao why don't you hop over there and tell them they should tell the whole story or something see how that goes?

[@detroitwhat4017]

The founders don't belong to a family but to a nation. Even if these descendants disown their ancestor, we as a nation hold him in reverance, not as a slaveholder but as the author of the Declaration.

[@samayo9746]

They have similar voice pitches....it means Thomas Jefferson had such a voice. Can tell you how the president used to speak.

[@crdorado1195]

That was the first thing I thought when hearing the white descendant, because he looks so much like TJ. The young black man favored more his lovely mother.

[@samayo9746]

@@crdorado1195 sure? Methinks it's the black man who resembles TJ more. In fact there's a picture where images are placed side by side to point to that notion

[@mariapowell8450]

The descendants black side white side are very articulate next is similarities of nose

[@camacaron06]

We will never know how Jefferson sounded, no recordings and his body isn’t preserved so they couldn’t look at his vocal cords to assemble a voice. Also there isn’t a photograph of him either.

[@GroomlakeArea51]

For anyone confused as to why a statue should be taken down. History is a necessity and deserves to be learned taught and studied in a completely transparent way. Statues are a glorification to a specific individual,Some individuals should have never had statues built in their honor,Imagine if people in germany fought to keep hitlers statues up in the name of history.

[@MeganAllen1738]

@@doctorpoopypantz6003 Robert Lee was a founding father? Or was he a racist and a traitor to his country?

[@nestosauce]

Megan Allen Robert Lee was conflicted. He had to fight for his home territory.

[@MeganAllen1738]

@@nestosauce he had to fight for his property which was slaves. He fought for his slaves

[@Cassief1]

I get goose bumps by watching him get dressed as his grandfather. He resembles him very much.

[@bunnybird9342]

I'm not even related to TJ but if I was I would be very proud of it. I understand that no historical figure is perfect but I don't understand why they feel like this.

[@marklivingstone3710]

I did the tour of Monticello a few years back. I became annoyed during the tour when the tour guide continually referred to the ‘indentured servants’. After a while I thought screw this and corrected her by saying you mean slaves. She denied there were slaves there and insisted they were indentured servants. No one else in the group reacted, indeed, the next question someone asked was what Jefferson’s shoe size was - dead true, Im not making this up. I gave up and left the tour group.

[@TonyDorsey007]

"6 kids with 1 of his slaves!!!"

[@Cboz1978]

I guess he had a favorite.

[@pcrowe75]

@real american , The other way around. Jefferson had to have that sweet brown chocolate. Don't get it twisted. And I bet he was sleeping with other slaves, and got babies by them too. I wonder how that made his white feel?

[@pcrowe75]

His white wife feel?

[@ebonyanyu2769]

real american she was a slave and had no choice . Sally was his wife’s sister.

[@aortiz1184]

@@pcrowe75 his white wife either didn't know or was livid because Sally was her sister.

[@trevorcross3344]

What two beautiful guys, sharing an amazing heritage. I believe in their vision for America.

[@marydonohoe8200]

Marvelous. Thank you all for your own demonstration of unity, working TOGETHER for justice FOR ALL.

[@bee2377]

News flash! It not up to them. Those statues were given to the public. It's the public's decision under vote. Not force.

[@fionatanzer5270]

Great to hear from descendents of both sides of Thomas Jefferson's family. And that they are united in their outlook. These two men represent what America should strive towards - integrating all descendants in one family while recognising the injustices of the past. Well done on proposing that the founding mothers need recognition as well. We need statutes to ideals, not individuals.

[@toddfarkman2177]

"There were 125 slaves and one white man at Monticello" - And for some reason they didn't kill him and take it over. Why was that?

[@Jessica-eo5hg]

Word spreads that they are on a ¨rampage¨ and a whole bunch of folks come to kill em and then thigs get harshes for all other slaves.

[@timothybrown5170]

Because they were mentally enslaved. Remember, the slaves loved him.

[@TheBuzzkill2012]

The problem I have with this is the emphasis on the negative instead of the good. Jefferson helped America and the world move to the western society we have today. A society where Democracy and Republics are the desired government system and monarchies are a thing of the past. Fascinatingly, he also made it popular to realize people are born equal. For the time, it was not a popular belief that people are born equal. Jefferson’s words were so profound that when signing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln read the words Jefferson wrote as people understood them. His flaws, while frustrating and disappointing, are not what makes Thomas Jefferson important. It’s how he helped us understand liberty, equality, and freedom are a better system for the future.

[@kayadamstv6714]

This interview gave me hope. Well done gentlemen.

[@polenc7167]

The Jefferson Memorial was seen as an outrage when it was created. Prior to that time all status were life size. This limitation had been placed upon public monuments to prevent the aggrandizement of public figures ( and almost to rremind us that these "heroes" were afterall just real men of typical stature). Yes it should come down. It also out of place in a democracy.

[@matthewseal8451]

Well they can all come down but will be seen again in the National Park with all the recent heroes you guys have no clue are in the midst of fighting for our freedom and children safety

[@sylviataylor2063]

👏🏾👏🏾 I'm so proud of you Shannon & your cousin Lucian! You've done well for yourself since our college days. Stand Together & Stand Strong! Great interview 🙌🏾

[@IcyNoJutsu]

we dont have to erase history. Just put them in a museum...

[@freda2758]

Why is it that the families can recognize the shame of these memorials, and want to right the wrongs, but those who would see people still oppressed still deny the need for change.

[@rstuv8141]

I don't want anybody to be oppressed. People, especially those who do great things, are complicated. We can and should celebrate and respect Thomas Jefferson for his contribution to this country.

[@donaldtrumplover2254]

So explain to me how these memorials are making black people oppressed

[@donaldtrumplover2254]

Mike Hammer as long as the libs and conservatives are in power don’t think anything is going to change anytime soon

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

Tearing down the President who drafted the Northwest Ordinance, banning slavery in the Northwest territories? Who stopped the slave trade in Virginia? Who stopped the import of slaves into the United States? Who tried to abolish slavery as President? Literally the only criteria for tearing down his statue is that he wasn't perfect.

[@grandmak5843]

Free America with the truth!

[@woundedindia5442]

😁😁😁

[@gedpink5763]

why not put a plaque on each statue telling the other side history like how they owned.used and abused human beings.make people aware of the bad things aswell as the good things.you cannot change history you can only re educate people to what really happend.

[@MeganAllen1738]

put it in a museum where it belongs

[@lopantolulu]

it would become a shrine to those who believe his deviant acts were justified

[@patmillett8056]

When a statue of a person is erected, it is put above the viewers. That implies that person is above the rest of us and should be looked up to. I ask, should any of these men be so exalted?

[@fquint6468]

Yeah I mean that's essentially what they are saying. They aren't saying to "change history" they are saying to tell the whole story.

[@rstuv8141]

@@patmillett8056 Yes. For obvious reasons.

[@Krakenator607]

We should honor and remember the good things about Jefferson and educate people about the mistakes he has made so they are not repeated.

[@adrianatamura5672]

That’s right, and my friends, please 🙏 let the memorial be open to all

[@rajrammbbs]

You cannot erase history by destroying historical relics.

[@stephenwedderburn9307]

They're not trying to erase history, they're stopping racists and traitors from being immortalised for doing wrong!

[@Psalm1101]

Oh thats how venezuela started know your history man

[@nunamorais4392]

HE HAD BLACK CHILDREN BUT DID NOT FREE THEM FROM SLAVERY!

[@porsche911sbs]

This is patently false all of Jefferson's children with Sally Hemings were freed. Their names were Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston. Sally Hemings negotiated for her children's freedom when she was with Jefferson in France. In those times slaves were granted freedom when they applied for such on French soil; Sally used this power to leverage a promise that Jefferson free her children upon reaching the age of 21.

[@jameshilliard5405]

So what... It was over 200 years ago ..... We don't have slaves now..... Stop playing the victim

[@porsche911sbs]

@Dirty Autobot It wasn't uncommon for children to live at home until that age. While slavery was awful that wasn't the case for the Jefferson-Hemings children. This is according to Madison Hemings, Sally Hemings's son, who wrote in "Life Among the Lowly" that he and his siblings lived happy childhoods at Monticello knowing they would not live full lives of slavery and were not forced to do hard work like other slaves - at least until they began their apprenticeships as teenagers (those apprenticeships of course later helped them successfully integrate into free society).

[@Dolly351]

James Hilliard we are the victims

[@lawstshane]

@@porsche911sbs they were freed after he sided which I don’t count as a good thing

[@jeffc168jb]

I’m so happy to hear these two gentlemen. God bless you both for being such wonderful, honest people.

[@cjinpa5713]

This was a very eye opening interview. I was glad to listen to both of their points of view and agreement on this issue.

[@kingjames9690]

If Jefferson were here right now he would not look at those two descendants as "equal"

[@TheTheahart]

I may also be a Descendent of Thomas Jefferson. Also Harriet Tubman was my childhood hero. I love the idea of a memorial to her. I can see the family resemblance of the two men. God bless them both. I am very moved by this.

[@user-ht5zy8zs9l]

Why don’t we just vote on the statues like a democracy. Then get professionals to carefully remove them so as not to hurt anyone or our roads. Then put it in a museum.

[@Hollywood-vu7cf]

Nobody voted to have them put up. Screw that.

[@jacqdanieles]

@@matthewseal8451 - Trump was supposed to have fixed it ...

[@njss3442]

First of all, running for president does not make you wanting to take over the country. Second, Obama never expressed interest on or off the record about running for a third term. Third, Trump's highest profile general endorsement was from twice-fired and disgraced Michael Flynn. Fourth, the Constitution didn't initially prevent people from running for a third term. In fact, Franklin d Roosevelt was elected four times and it's only in the last hundred years or so that two terms has been the maximum.

[@debrahelmlinger6256]

Or Confederate cemeteries

[@fredarroyo7429]

@@Hollywood-vu7cf not your property, its public property so you do it democratically or not at least, if last time i checked this wad the U.S.A

[@Queengalexxi]

LUCIAN WE LOVE YOU!!! YOU ARE WHAT AMERICA SHOULD STAND FOR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUTH. YOU ARE INVITED TO ALL THE COOKOUTS! SINCERELY, AN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN

[@nikiabrown3404]

Watching both these men agree and push for progress, truth, and equality is so beautiful! I am just so happy to see two halves of a whole be unified. If they can do it... surely the country can try

[@JWHealing]

This is a great interview & thought provoking & interesting. I don’t often say this but great job CNN!

[@kezdemk]

You need to find the Oprah show from 1998 I think. That is where I started tonight and got hooked on the story

[@MelanieElaineH]

He was a political who helped bring FORWARD the concept of freedom for all. It wasn’t a popular idea in his time. It would have taken more than just him to accomplish his desires.

[@MarjoryLoebe]

He could’ve also not owned people. But that’s just me.

[@goldenstringedinstruments5500]

I could be surely be wrong, but perhaps Jefferson himself would have wanted his statues taken down many years ago. People have seemingly created an idolatous rouse around his, and many other Confederate statues. Just a thought.

[@tjjohnson2818]

@Levis. H can the slaves of that time get their praise for what they have done for this COUNTRY I'll wait.

[@lisaaugustin5400]

The term MINORITY needs to GO !!!

[@furtim1]

White males are a minority in the US.

[@dereklong7757]

@@furtim1 there are more white men than black people combined....

[@furtim1]

@@dereklong7757 "minority", as in, not such a large share as to compose a majority. 35% of something is a minority of it. Since white people are not, do not act like, do not vote like, and do not represent a unified body, it is absurd to treat them like one and apply terms like "majority" or "minority" to them anyway. These race games are stupid.

[@216Browniee]

@@dereklong7757 Well that’s a lie maybe in America.

[@dereklong7757]

@@216Browniee i live in america

[@taw8963]

Exactly!!! And having been to Monticello, it is enough of a monument. That was one of the best experiences as a black person learning white-made history. Like...exactly👏👏👏👏👏 (I can't change the color of my emojis...I'm basic)

[@j.d1614]

I commend both of the for coming forward and speaking their minds on the history of their family and the skeletons in their closets

[@edbenti5007]

EXCEPT THAT THE 2001 "SCHOLARS' COMMISSION REPORT ON THE JEFFERSON HEMINGS RELATIONSHIP" updated 2011, FOUND THE ACCUSATION ALMOST CERTAINLY FALSE!! 13 mostly PhDs found the accusation to be unproven and almost certainly false. There is NO PROOF that Jefferson, then in his early 40s had sex with a 13 or 14 year old girl. NOTHING IN OUR KNOWLEDGE OF JEFFERSON INDICATES HE WAS A PEDOPHILE and there is NO DNA PROOF at all that he had paternity!! There were 5 other Jefferson males in their teens and early 20s who could have sired her children and there is an eye witness claiming he saw another man not Jefferson leaving her rooms early in the morning at Monticello!! READ JEFFERSON'S NOTES ON THE STATE OF VIRGINIA, THEN ASK YOURSELF IF HE WOULD HAVE WASTED TIME WITH A CHILD SLAVE WHEN HE HAD SO MANY OTHER MATTERS AT HAND. READ JEFFERSON'S WRITINGS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT A GREAT AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY HE WAS AND WHY HE IS IMPORTANT TO YOU TODAY!!!

[@palecompass3598]

I agree that Jefferson didn't do as much as he could've, but the words he wrote are a touch stone for America. Those words were significant to the Civil War, emancipation, suffragist movement and civil rights movement. I think the memorial should stay and be rewritten with the full context of the man, his life and his words.

[@funnydude_5649]

I'm pretty sure there aren't Hilter statues in Germany

[@ToastySloth]

Comparing a man who helped create the United States to Hitler. nice.

[@dogtato]

true, but by that logic we just shouldn't put up any statues of trump

[@xl000]

actually, there are a few ones.

[@nutrylzone367]

@@xl000 True, but there are none Hitler or Nazi statues in public place to honor, in Germany but in museums to learn from their negative past.

[@Rosedawn321]

Foundng mother Abigail Adams should be honored for advocating vigorously for equal rights for women, especially voting rights!

[@SuperKshepherd]

Good choice.

[@PrincessYuki77]

"He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating it's most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere" -Thomas Jefferson

[@starduss100]

God Bless America! Thank you Lucian and Shannon .

[@maderianjohnson7856]

"Awesome"! These two 🚹 🚹 men spoke "Truth & Facts"!