Video & Multimedia

marmar

(77,094 posts) Sat Jun 30, 2012, 06:37 PM Jun 2012

Bill Moyers: The Difficult Truths Behind Independence Day

https://vimeo.com/44918797

Bill Moyers Essay: The Difficult Truths Behind Independence Day
June 29, 2012

In this video essay, Bill reflects on the origins and lessons of Independence Day. We should remember, he says, that behind this Fourth of July holiday are human beings, like Thomas Jefferson, who were as flawed and conflicted as they were inspired, who espoused great humanistic ideals while behaving with reprehensible racial discrimination. That conflict — between what we know and how we live — is still a struggle in contemporary politics and society.

http://billmoyers.com/segment/bill-moyers-essay-the-difficult-truths-behind-independence-day/

2 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Bill Moyers: The Difficult Truths Behind Independence Day (Original Post) marmar Jun 2012 OP

Well stated and to the point. HopeHoops Jul 2012 #1

Jefferson was NOT a wealthy man. fasttense Jul 2012 #2

HopeHoops

(47,675 posts)

1. Well stated and to the point.

Reply to marmar (Original post)

Sun Jul 1, 2012, 02:25 PM

Jul 2012

fasttense

(17,301 posts)

2. Jefferson was NOT a wealthy man.

Reply to marmar (Original post)

Mon Jul 2, 2012, 12:43 PM

Jul 2012

Especially in comparison to the kings and princes of Europe. Think Marie Antoinette and her French husband's vast wealth.

In his 80s, Jefferson had to have a lottery of his property in order to meet his debts.

He was probably a hypocrite and probably really did love his slave girl. But he could not afford to give his slaves freedom because he owed so much money. He needed their free labor to make ends meet. But this does not excuse him. I just don't believe he was considered wealthy in his time.

Jefferson would probably be considered middle class today.

http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/winter10/jefferson.cfm

Reply to this discussion