Jenny's aunt is a historian and sent me this letter after a
conversation she and I had about economics and slavery. It's such an
interesting piece of history that I wanted to send it to you on Martin
Luther King day as a way to remember the past. So, it's a bit late,
but since it was written in 1865, a few days won't matter. The letter
is both humorous and haunting, and it seems even more appropriate
given Obama's inauguration.
Jourdan's is the former slave that asks his old master to pay he and
his wife for 52 combined years of unpaid labor before he would
consider working for his former master again. His line "If you fail
to pay us for faithful labors in the past we can have little faith in
your promises in the future" is a statement that speaks to the cost
we're still paying. I'm open to hearing any reactions you have from
it, by the way.
Peace,
tim
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1 comment:
I don't know if I'm just missing it...but couldn't find the letter you were referring to...would love to read it though!
I'll keep on eye on the blog - you guys are going through some transition! I was just reading something I wrote some time ago after a chat with you, Tim, regarding transition in my own life...I think I'm on a good track now ;) Thanks for your wise words of input!
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