Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United State of America, is about to be ousted from his place on the twenty dollar bill in favor of one Ms. Harriet Tubman. Ms. Tubman an icon of the Civil War era having escaped the bonds of slavery to become an agent and instrument of the Union Army in rescuing numerous enslaved people via the Underground Railroad. Certainly worthy of our praise and admiration, but should she replace a United States President on the twenty dollar bill?
Jackson, the hero of New Orleans, who retired the national debt, saying “I am one of those who do not believe that a national debt is a national blessing, but rather a curse on the republic.”, and he who brought Florida into the union, warrants better treatment. Whatever his flaws, (he was a man of his time not to be judged by current culture), he does not deserve to be bumped by anyone; no offense to Ms. Tubman.
An equitable solution is at hand and, I believe, is fair, just and logical. Issue a twenty-five dollar bill bearing Ms. Tubman’s likeness. We have a very versatile, useful twenty-five cent piece in circulation that has served us well for small transactions. Reducing (once again) the single dollar to coin, recall the penny and add the twenty-five dollar note, everyone would be well served without a grudge match over imagery.
It would seem that these same revisionists look to erase another piece of American history by systematically removal of the name and image of Robert E. Lee. In their own way, in their own time each earn our admiration for their contribution to American history. May I be so bold as to suggest equity and balance when viewing our ancestors.
How is one to learn from history if it is eradicated?
Randy Edwards
Prescott
