I don’t know—the fact that Thomas Jefferson could write that “all men are created equal” and still own slaves is highly problematic.

Our founding fathers did create an amazingly successful system of government, but I see no shame in recognizing the flaws of these men. It took about 90 years after the Declaration of Independence for slavery to end. It took another 100 years after emancipation for the apartheid system to be legally dismantled. It took 150 years after the Declaration of Independence for women to get the vote.

This history of oppression is also part of American history. Yes, the system the founding fathers created was an achievement, but we cannot forget those who were not originally included. We cannot forget those who were denied entrance.

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I really don't think you read the quote by Ms. Brown very carefully, because she is responding exactly to those whose comments you have simply reiterated. Her point is that Jefferson made a bold statement of truth when he penned "all men are created equal". She herself admitted that the founders had flaws, but so many try to tarnish the lofty principles via the hypocracy of the founders. The fact is you are a hypocrite. As am I. As most certainly is Ms. Brown in some fashion. If we must ignore every truth from the mouth of any imperfect human, then we must burn every library and university.

All men are created equal. There, I myself have said it and although I try - I know I too have failed to honor every man, woman and child as my equal. You are free to point out how ironic or unacceptable it is for me to make such a statement in the comments section. Or, you might try simply agreeing with the sentiment, this noble value that is the foundation of this flawed yet great nation.

The base state of man is selfish and oppressive, and as nations are made up of men - the history of every nation is full of the same. The United States was a nation born in an oppressive world; it was formed through the breaking of an oppressive yoke. Yet, as I look back over our history, I find your synopsis of our past as missing a key point. Your own examples indicate over and over that oppressive practices have gradually been eliminated. American history is not simply the history of oppression but rather the history of the advance of freedom over oppression.

When Jefferson's statement was first pronounced, it was a declaration for some. For others it was a prophecy. May we always hold it high and seek to shine the light of freedom and equality in every corner of this nation and world.