Though Jefferson wrote that all men are created equal and are therefore endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, but he contradicted those ideals by owning slaves. What is the relationship between a persons actions and his or her beliefs? Can we excuse Jeffersons actions in light of his ideals? Or should we hold him to the ideal standards he set for America in the Declaration? To what standards do you think we should hold people who are in the public eye (politicians, athletes, etc.)? Should we hold the common person to these same standards?
