The October edition of Smithsonian magazine tells us that “With five simple words in the Declaration of Independence – ‘all men are created equal’ – Thomas Jefferson undid Aristotle’s ancient formula, which had governed human affairs until 1776: ‘From the hour of their birth, some men are marked out for subjection, others for rule.’”

Aristotle’s sentiments are obviously nonsense.  However, if you’ve ever reported to jury duty, and sat in a courthouse selection room all day among peers, you know that Jefferson got it wrong too.  For all men are not created equal…there’s a vast spectrum of people ranging from idiot to genius.

According to Thomas A. Patterson, in The American Democracy – Alternate Edition, what Jefferson – a slave owner – meant when he said “all men are created equal” is that all Americans are entitled to equal justice under the law.  The Smithsonian article attempts to reconcile the conflict between Jefferson’s words and actions as follows: “The very existence of slavery in the era of the American Revolution presents a paradox, and we have largely been content to leave it at that, since a paradox can offer a comforting state of moral suspended animation.” Continue reading →