HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-89-0943I would like to resubmit a proposal made to the commission over a year ago. I would
like to see a statue of Thomas Jefferson, author of our Declaration of Independence and
co- author of our Bill of Rights, whom John Kennedy admired so much. be placed next to
the Torch of Friendship, to go along with that of Simon Bolivar, fighter for
independence in Venezuela, Peru, and Columbia.
Bolivar visited the United States in 1809, while trying to recover from the loss of his
wife, and that was the last year of Jefferson's second term as president. Bolivar was
impressed and inspired by the democratic institutions and the blessings of liberty he
saw here and returned to lead the liberation movement in Venezuela. Simon was a
brave and noble man, but not perfect, and he apparently let power go to his head a few
times. This is not all that unusual. "Men will be kings, and kings will be tyrants."
History has shown this to be true. Just ask Fidel Castro.
Thomas Jefferson wasn't perfect either, but he understood this and knew nobody
else was perfect as well. He recognized the corrupting effects of power, having learnt that
lesson well from George III, and that is why he helped place so many restrictions on
government and so many protections for the individual in our Bill of Rights.
Jefferson always believed in the strategic value of Florida, and made several efforts
to make it part of the United States, particularly during negotiations for the Louisiana
purchase. He did not want to go to war for it, believing war to be largely a waste of
energy, and preferring some sort of peaceful acquisition.
This was finally accomplished by John Quincy Adams, son of his best friend,
through a treaty with Spain following Andrew Jackson's military actions against the
Seminoles in Florida after leading his troops to victory over the British in New Orleans
in 1815.
I think a statue of Jefferson at the torch would help remind us where,
philosophically and historically, this country came from. and perhaps help us sail a
better course into the future. I also believe that a famous quote from Jefferson would .
make a good inscription for the statue, particularly at this time when so many people
are allowing themselves to be confused, enslaved, and degenerated by drugs. greed,
videocy, and stupid religious cults of all kinds. He wrote, 'I have sworn upon the altar of
God, eternal hostility toward every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
I've heard the commission has no money, but I am willing to donate some and try to
get the project under way. September 15 of this year.
Thank you.
W.L. Lumsford
A STATUE FOR LIBERTY
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