Nothing...you have it precisely. The Hemings issue will almost certainly be settled indisputably by more advanced science. The DNA test done is already dated. Taken as a whole it is the story of a human being the consensus of history has chosen to preserve. -- Stephan On 1 May 2008, at 20:59, Diane Ethridge wrote: > With all due respect to the historians, educators, authors & other > list members, I'm having a difficult time understanding why the > circumstances of Jefferson's private life are of any particular > importance or interest to anyone but the families of the deceased > parties involved in this personal situation that happened so many > years ago. It isn't exactly "breaking news" that he owned slaves, > was a single man at the time and she was attractive, vulnerable > and available with few consequences as a result of the liaison. > Also, not a startling fact is that he isn't the first president, > nor will he be the last, who fell from earthly "grace" because of > his human condition. He was a man of his day & time, > extraordinarily gifted in so many ways but still a fallible > being...period. What am I missing as to the reason for this huge > interest in this subject? > > Thanks, > D. Ethridge > TX > > > ______________________________________ > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the > instructions at > http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html