Herb,

You say that it is your wife who is the descendent. Has her DNA been tested 
to be sure that is the case? Or is her claim just based on Oral History? 
Since she is not male, perhaps you will convince her to let her 
father/grandfather be dug up so you can assure me that she is a genuine 
descendent. Otherwise, you better stop telling that LIE!

Seriously, Herb, it is a big deal to dig up one's ancestors to many people. 
Last time this argument ran on this list, someone suggested digging up TJ 
himself and getting a sample of his DNA for researce purposes, and the 
clamor was loud! How dare folks consider disturbing him in his grave! Yet, 
you seem to want to put that on the Hemings.

If you sat down with the Hemings in a congenial atmosphere, why did you not 
bring up the subject of exhuming and testing William?

Seems to me that the score, at present, on DNA testing is to affirm one oral 
history, and disprove another. The score is tied. One more remains. Are the 
odds in favor of the oral history, or do the odds favor the arrogrant ones?

I noticed on the web page that the last "mision" of your young organization 
is to "defend" TJ's "integrity" against those who would not keep him on that 
pedestal. I guess that is what you are doing on this list. Sadly, you are 
making a stronger case in favor of the Hemings who you are making seem like 
the "good guys" against the entrenched aristocracy!

Anne

Anne Pemberton
[log in to unmask]
http://www.erols.com/apembert
http://www.educationalsynthesis.org 

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