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Dear Thomas Jefferson

I am your admirer. I read the Declaration of Independence that you wrote. It is the most eloquent document I have ever read. I especially love the phrase: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." It is such a moving appeal for the principles of justice and equality. You must know that the United States Constitution, the foundation of the system of government in this country, was written after that to guarantee justice and equality for all.

You are probably a very modest man, as all great men are. I don't want to embarrass you, but I must say you are the father of this nation. You are the enlightened man who stands for what is just and decent about America.

Even though your people came to America and massacred the Native Americans and colonized their country, I always believe the United States of America will some day make it right, for "all men are created equal."

Even though the United States of America imported Africans and made them slaves, I always believe this country will some day make it right, for "all men are created equal."

Even though the United States of America imported Asians and enslaved them in the sugarcane fields of Hawaii, and in the construction of the railroad of America, I always believe this country will some day make it right, for "all men are created equal."

Even though every institution in the United States of America discriminates against the people of color, I always believe this country will some day make it right, for "all men are created equal."

Even though to this day, when the United States of America is importing the Asians, the Africans, and the Mexicans to work in low paying jobs and in sweatshops for up to 80 hours a week, while European immigrants such as the mostly white Jewish Russians are getting good jobs and free education, I always believe this country will some day make it right, for "all men are created equal."

And then I found out you owned slaves, and you even fathered children with one of your slaves, Sally Hemings. Do you really meant it when you wrote the Declaration of Independence? It is all a lie, isn't it?

Sincerely,

Tuan Tran