Founding Fathers

Dear Thomas Jefferson,

Two hundred and twenty three years ago, you, and the rest of our Founding Fathers, wrote the Constitution with hopes to clearly declare that ‘all men are created equal’. But what you failed to execute was the definition of equality. What I would like to tell you is that, before signing off on one of the most momentous documents in our nation’s history, you should further portray your thoughts behind the meaning of that line; all men—male or female, black or white, gay or straight, are created equal—with the same rights, same privileges, and same opportunities.

I find it hard to understand that a slave owner himself would go the extra mile to help write a manuscript stating that people should all be treated the same. Clearly what fall short on realizing is that you don’t just own a slave, you own a man. His life and his soul. You tell him what to do and make all of his decisions yet you still have the audacity to publicly display your plea for freedom of all people. Maybe, back in your time, you were know as a bright, kind hearted man but today, you would be seen as a critical, judgmental hypocrite.

Now, maybe you wanted it to be the way it was: having others do your work while you sit around on your lazy butt and pretend you know how help run this country. Or maybe people just got the impression of what ‘all men’ meant. All that I’m asking for, is clarification. If you wanted only white men to be free, say it. If you want all people of color to forever be slaves, sign it. But if you want all of America to be able to come together in unity, no matter what kind of racial, sexual, or financial differences, change it.

Thank you for your time

Sincerely,

Katie Koplien