And also why Thomas Jefferson read the Koran. Lsftards use the propaganda that this proves Jefferson was an open minded free thinker who would disapprove of the Tea Party (when they are not slamming him for being a “rich white slaveholder”). Jefferson was really getting into the thinking of the Barbary Pirates, as in “know your opponents”. Thus he decided no more ransom payments and teach the pirates a lesson. An inconvenient truth leftards choose to ignore.
Anyone who wants to see the Constitution or “Old Ironsides” which was used in the war on the Barbary Pirates can check it out whenever they visit Boston. There is a great tour of the ship complete with the history of the Consitution.