Posted on 07/02/2010 2:43:05 PM PDT by DJ MacWoW
WASHINGTON (AP) - Preservation scientists at the Library of Congress have discovered that Thomas Jefferson, even in the act of declaring independence from England, had trouble breaking free from monarchial rule.
In an early draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote the word "subjects," when he referred to the American public. He then erased that word and replaced it with "citizens," a term he used frequently throughout the final draft.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.myway.com ...
Thanks for pointing that out about it being a choice and not a slip.
The difference between a subject owing allegience to a sovereign, and citizens who are the sovereigns, is enormous. Too bad the majority of Americans are ignorant of that fact.
It was truly a break with the feudalism of Europe.
Well, he was that great. I hope your thread is given the respect that is Jefferson's due.
“Fenalla France, a research chemist at the Library, said her lab made the discovery last year by using hyperspectral imaging, using a high resolution digital camera that compiles a series of images to highlight layers of a document. Some of those invisible layers - like erased text and even fingerprints - pop into view on a computer screen.”
Pretty soon they will find another magic layer that shows he REALLY wanted a King for life...
Can you imagine the fear and excitement? Fear of making a mistake and the excitement of creating something unique! I try to imagine the range of emotions and the burden it must have been. A fledgling nation, looking to these men for guidance. And a perfect government. It makes ones heart quail!
All of the Founders were great and intelligent men and are to be respected. It took great courage to do what they did.
Jefferson and Obama are on two different ends of the spectrum aren’t they. And this find highlights that. *shaking head*
Obama swears open hostility and as many forms of tyranny as he can contrive.
Well, Jefferson was that great! As some have clearly stated.
The problem here is revisionists attempting to deconstruct the record, yes during a draft a word was used then changed to the appropriate meaning. The only ones bitching about the fact that some scientifically advanced research shows a word was replaced, it’s not as if he had a plenty of paper and a word processor.
Governor of Virginia
U.S. minister to France
Secretary of state under George Washington,
Vice-president to John Adams
3rd President of the United States from 1801 to 1809
Commissioned Lewis and Clark Expedition
Facilitated Louisiana Purchase
Now, what can we say about the many Leftists, famous Marxists, and Neo-Marxist Kenyan Clown and fraudster?
Not necessarily. It could just be the leftist media bias.
Have you ever read this?
'A Wall of Separation' - FBI Helps Restore Jefferson's Obliterated Draft - Library of Congress
It certainly clears up a few misconceptions.
Nice article, however;
Just as the concept, separation of church and state is not in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, yet is drawn upon as the outside authority for the State. Further, there appears to be a movement which is attempting to remove the underlying concept of inalienable as an individual’s right based on what the Federal Government permits; instead of being constrained or restricted.
If the original intent is “subject” versus “citizens,” well then an individual’s rights are subject to the State’s desires…this is what separates the French Constitution from the U.S. Constitution.
Article by a peabrain.
The word "citizen" (or citizens) isn't used frequently throughout the final draft of the Declaration. It's used ONCE.
He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.Up until the time Mr. Jefferson wrote this, the people he was speaking of considered them "subjects." But I guess the Sally Hemings BS sort of died out and those who wish to demean one of the giants among the Framers need to put forward other nonsense.
ML/NJ
The article clears up that Jefferson was protecting the church from the state, or federal government, and not vice versa. That was my interest in it. I also was interested in the fact that as Governor, he declared Days of Prayer and Fasting but declined to do it as President since he believed that the Federal government had no say in religion.
It's the Associated Press. Aren't peabrain and AP synonyms?
Wow, typical lib spin. Let’s trash Jefferson.
Actually the left is just trying to finish him off. They’ve already accused him of all kinds of trash starting with misrepresenting the Danbury Letter.
The authors were flawed ergo the document is flawed?
Yes, I agree, and he did a good job of it.
However, what we have here currently is, or I believe is revisionists attempting to deconstruct the record for people like Kagan and Obama. Don’t forget everyone believes, or the precept is being pushed currently, Obama is one of the ultimate authorities on the constitution. And a word subsitution/confusion is something the left or people like Jeremiah Wright, Louis Farrakhan, George Soros, Barney Frank, John kerry, Nancy Pelosi and Kennedy Clan would enjoy.
It’s possible. Make the authors of liberty sound weak and indecisive and that will reflect of the documents they wrote.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.