That is an interesting comment. Is there a distinction between "self
appointed" and "independent?" The reputations of the scholars on the
Scholar Commission are well established. I don't think you want a debate on
the messenger. The issue for a course study should be the breath of the
materials for study. Relying  only on Gordon-Reed, Ellis, Onuf, etc., and
the suggested National Genealogical Society article, presents the unread
(i.e., students) with a directed result.

Richard E. Dixon
Clifton, VA 20124-2115
703-830-8177
fax 703-691-0978



> [Original Message]
> From: Paul Finkelman <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 3/26/2003 4:11:14 PM
> Subject: Re: Jefferson-Hemings popular resources
>
> I think it is worth noting that the "scholars commission" was a
> self-appointed commission with the goal of refuting the work of more
> independent scholars.
>
> paul finkelman
>
> Richard Dixon wrote:
> > Your suggested syllabus contains only writers that advance the claim
that
> > Jefferson fathered children by Sally Hemings. The Scholars Commission
did
> > not conclude that but you indicate only  "selected essays" will read.
The
> > work of the Scholars Commission is the only comprehensive analysis of
this
> > issue. The full report is at http://www.tjheritage.org/  That is the web
> > site of the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society and it contains other
> > articles that contradict the evidence relied on by Gordon-Reed, Ellis,
etc.

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