THE VAST MAJORITY OF FOUNDERS WERE ABSOLUTELY NOT WHITE RACISTS

THE VAST MAJORITY OF FOUNDERS WERE ABSOLUTELY NOT WHITE RACISTS

By Domenick J. Maglio PhD. Traditional Realist

Our nation was established to free the colonies from the oppressive rule of Great Britain’s control.  The colonists understood they were being exploited by King George III and wanted their freedom from Britain’s tyranny. This was a bold undertaking by men of courage.

The leaders of the colonies were products of strong Christian, moral values with the rational brilliance of the Enlightenment Period. They were well aware that slavery existed throughout history. Men conquered civilizations and enslaved them and in turn were enslaved. They understood that slavery is a curse for the enslaved as well as the masters. Many founders believed with every fiber of their souls that slavery was oppressively evil and abhorrent when you treat another person as property.

The father of our nation who freed his slaves upon his death, stated: “There is not a man living who wished more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it (slavery).” George Washington April 12, 1786.

The renowned scientist and statesman described, “Slavery is such an atrocious abasement of human nature, that its very extirpation, if not performed with solicitous care may sometimes open a source of serious evil. “ Benjamin Franklin, November 1789. He was right.

The Father of the constitution said, “The Convention thought it wrong to admit in the constitution the idea that there could be property in men.” James Madison, August 25, 1787. Madison also said, “We have seen the mere distinction of color made in the most enlightened period of time, a ground of the most oppressive domination by man over man.” James Madison speech at the Constitutional Convention, June 6, 1787.

The majority realized the horrendous offense of slavery as well as the need to temporarily appease slave owners to allow them to keep their so-called, “property.”  These wise men understood that they had to build a united front to gain the independence from England.

They believed by gaining their independence first they would be able to abolish slavery in the future.  “I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil.” Patrick Henry, January 18, 1773

The author of the Declaration of Independence stated: there is nothing more certain written in the book of fate that these people ought to be free. Thomas Jefferson 1821.

They were between a rock and a hard place. “We have the wolf by the ears, and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. Justice in one hand and self preservation in the other.” Thomas Jefferson, April 22, 1820.

The second president of the United states, an outspoken critic of slavery stated: “Every measure of prudence therefore ought to be assumed for the eventual total extirpation of slavery from the United States…I have thought throughout my whole life, held the practice of slavery in … abhorrence.” John Adams 1814.

John Jay, statesman and first chief Justice of the United States sums up what the founders wanted to do for the sake of honor, justice and humanity but were unable to do at the time. “It is much to be wished that slavery may be abolished. The honor of the United states, as well as justice and humanity, in my opinion, loudly called upon them to emancipate these unhappy people to contend for our own liberty and to deny that blessing to others involves an inconsistence not to be excused.” John Jay March 15, 1786.

It came at an incredible price in 1863 with more Americans dying in the Civil War than the soldiers who died in WWI and WWII combined. The remnants of this hellacious conflict exist even today. The wounds have not healed completely especially with people who have limited understanding of the historical context.

Primarily union and confederate white soldiers fought each other for several reasons one being to resolve the practice of slavery. Slavery here spread from Africa by Europeans and African slave agents to the new world. There were numerous blacks and Indians who owned slaves. Slavery through conquering has existed from the beginning of time. Slavery is not an exclusive black issue but an issue of all mankind as today even young children are held as sex slaves.

The circumstances of creating a viable, independent nation did not allow at the time the abolishment of slavery. It took a horrific Civil War to accomplish this monumental feat, which showed the world the USA did believe and practice liberty for all. These moral, compassionate and wise men were not hypocritical; rather they were committed to emancipate slaves and eventually did. These enlightened wise men were proponents of freedom for all, not white racists.

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program. Dr. Maglio is an author of weekly newspaper articles, INVASION WITHIN and a new book entitled, IN CHARGE PARENTING In a PC World. You can see many of Dr. Maglio’s articles at www.drmaglio.blogspot.com.