Letters: Jul. 26, 2004

The Radical Mind of Thomas Jefferson

"More than a patriot, Jefferson was a visionary statesman with just enough tenderness to make him a historic but flawed human being." NELSON ALBA North Miami Beach, Fla.

Thomas Jefferson was the closest thing to a genius that we have ever had in the White House [July 5]. His dream of human liberty will not be realized until everyone on the planet is free. Liberty, democracy and peace are closely related, and perhaps they will come together at some time for the entire world. With regard to his affair with the slave Sally Hemings: Jefferson was one in a line of Presidents who have committed indiscretions, but we should not allow those actions to overshadow great deeds. CLAUDE MARTIN Tucson, Ariz.

Your stories wonderfully captured the essence of one of our great leaders. Jefferson was human in every sense, and his spirit and influence live on today. KRISTINE MURRAY Eden Prairie, Minn.

America's greatness lies in the fact that its founders were students of the Enlightenment philosophers Locke and Spinoza, whose political thinking formed the basis for the Declaration of Independence. I wonder if President George W. Bush or Senator John Kerry has ever read any of their works? Perhaps each party should select its presidential candidate through a series of tests and interviews rather than campaigns determined by the size of its war chest. That would enable us to elect another philosopher President, like Jefferson. ROBERT J. POHL Canonsburg, Pa.

When people talk about Jefferson's accomplishments, credit must also be given to the black slaves at Monticello, as their combined efforts gave Jefferson the time to do all that he did. WILLIAM DODD BROWN Chicago

Why are so many people mystified by the contradictions in Jefferson's life? Seneca was a corrupt statesman who wrote works glorifying morality. When asked how he could reconcile such contradictory views, he answered that he was certainly better than someone who was corrupt and wrote books glorifying immorality. Jefferson was not corrupt, but he preached the sublimity of liberty and yet was a slave owner. Jefferson could have given an answer similar to Seneca's. ANGELO A. DE GENNARO San Antonio, Texas

Without George Washington we would not have had a nation, but without Jefferson we would not have had a democracy. MERRICK CAREY Arlington, Va.

Fighting Words

In "Plenty More To Swear About" [July 5], columnist Joe Klein noted that Vice President Dick Cheney deployed the F word against Patrick Leahy on the Senate floor. Cheney later commented that he felt better afterward. He may be right. I uttered the same obscenity at Cheney, and it made me feel better too. LOUK WIJSEN Alameda, Calif.

Looking the Other Way