Disappointed!

Yesterday, I recommended "The Jefferson Lies" by David Barton. As I reflected on this work, I became more than a little angry with the so-called professional historians who have sought to blemish Jefferson's legacy. I titled today's blog "Disappointed!" because I generally hold scholars and scholarly works in high esteem. That esteem comes with a high standard and low tolerance for the kinds of research manipulations which have resulted in the lies about Jefferson. True, such tactics are regularly seen in today's political debate, but that does not justify them. I strongly disagree with President Obama's beliefs and policies, but I regularly admonish my correspondents when they forward some juicy tidbit that has been fabricated or is based on selective quotations. Sadly, some writers make a career of expanding the smallest of these quotes. Just as sadly, once they are published in the blogosphere, utube, or some email gone viral, they take on a nature that is difficult to refute or retract. This has been true about the writings David Barton refutes in his book. Well into my 7th decade, I remain optimistic about scholarly writing because of the works of men like Barton, David McCullough, and others who seek to illuminate the lives of the founders through publication of primary sources, original documents, in their proper context. The work of those who would use fabrications, modernism, and selective quotes without context (minimalism), does not deserve consideration. Unfortunately, these terribly flawed works satiate the audience seeking to profane and denigrate the great heroes