Jefferson's Pillow

[Bandwraith at aol.com]

During the interview, Lopate asked Wilkins, a history professor who happens 
to be black, if the revolution would have occurred without the institution of 
slavery. Without a moment's hesitation Wilkins responded that it would not 
have been possible for Washington, Jefferson, Mason and Madison to have 
accumulated the wealth, inluence, intellectual prowess, etc., which allowed 
them the freedom from, well, Time, to have led the colonies to independence. 
Alternative histories loomed...

Franklin, of course, is the counter-example, but he represents a very special 
case. (I use the present tense to emphasize his timelesness, or at least it 
being under his control, on his side, in cahoots with him, etc.) Without his 
guidance and especially  his provocation there would not have been a 
revolution. He bridged the gap between the puritannical and the decadent, a 
space where much of American Culture generates its spark to this day.


In a message dated 7/17/02 12:02:35 PM, Bandwraith at aol.com writes:

<< Lenny Lopate talking with Roger Wilkins, right now, on WNYC, and on line:

 http://www.wnyc.org/books/1997

about _Jefferson's Pillow_  re: The Founding Fathers and slavery. Quite 
interesting.
 >>