The Useful T Jefferson

It's funny how both Democrats and Republicans try to claim Thomas Jefferson. (They so the same thing with Lincoln -but regarding different issues.) Democrats, when Jefferson agrees with them, will note that "Jefferson was a Democrat." I've seen the bumper sticker - as well as other permutations of that attempt of position-bolstering. Of course when his views are compatible with the Republican Party or some conservative group he is instantly disowned and it is quickly noted that he owned slaves - (as if that disqualifies him from saying or thinking anything GOOD). Party names stick along much longer than the actual substance of what they represent and espouse. I don't think Jefferson would find a ready home within the establishment GOP. He also wouldn't find agreement with the likes of conservative Christians like me on a number of things. However, where he's right he's right - and I'll support him and publicly agree with him when I think so. I think that he'd find friends both within TEA Party and Libertarian circles.