Town Hall Meeting Blog for Class Assignment

Town Hall Blog

Greetings My Fellow Founding Fathers, Government Officials, and Private Citizens,

I speak to you on the 25th of March in 1793 on this fine day in Philadelphia. As your first President, George Washington, a Statesman, former Military Officer, Leader of the American Revolutionary War, and Founding Father of America, I speak to you today on the topic of slavery. During my years in leadership, the topic of slavery has divided our nation. Back in 1786, I am proud to inform you that I myself owned 250 slaves. Many of my slaves worked on farms at my plantations in Mount Vernon and Philadelphia. I did not discriminate against who could be a slave on my land. Women, men, and children were all given the opportunity to provide me with service.

Your favor of upholding slavery in this great nation would benefit the common man greatly by giving them labor at a small cost. We, the men of America, need food to keep our families alive. Slaves brought about this outcome. They farm our crops and grow food for our children. This is important because I find it difficult to attract white laborers to my farm. Enslaved workers are an important part of keeping farming alive in our country.

Although some commoners may believe that slavery violates an individual’s rights, I speak today to assure you that the institution of slavery does not violate freedom and equality. Slaves, like Ona Maria Judge, are given food and shelter. They are paid with water, food, and a place to live for their services on my land. It is unsettling that some commoners claim that Ona, my slave, ran away because she was a personal maid and considered “property” of my wife Martha. This is simply not true. My wife Martha was taken care of by my family. After I found out that Ona boarded a ship to Portsmouth, I requested her to return. For all that Martha and I did for Ona, she should have never disrespected the country’s leader or his family.

I ask you, my fellowman, to side with my views on slavery. Ever since Biblical times, people have debated whether or not slavery can be justified in the world. This debate comes to an end today! According to the Christians of our land, slavery was a way of life for the Israelites. The religious group explains that the bible provides no information to support the idea that slavery should be prohibited. If that is the belief, why should we prohibit slavery in our country? In addition, the Latin word “servus” was used in the Bible to reference the word slave. Abraham and other patriarchs had slaves. In the Bible slavery is not negatively mentioned. The value slaves give their owners is larger than the value of their freedom. I assure you that slavery is essential in our country. Besides slaves being individuals who require a watchful eye, slavery benefits the entire nation. We are doing them a favor letting them live and work on our lands. It is time to put this debate to an end and put our nation together again. Slavery needs to remain an institution in this country!

References:

https://www.mountvernon.org

https://www.gilderlehrman.org

www.history.com

www.britannica.com

First President of the United States 1789-1797

Mount Vernon House

George Washington With Slaves

Supreme Court Blog Post #1

The Supreme Court Videos Blog

The Supreme Court videos provided a lot of unknown information about this important judicial branch of government.

I was surprised to learn that the United States Supreme Court system acts as a model for courts run all around the world. I didn’t know that America has the most powerful judicial system in the world. While watching the video, I learned that there is nine Supreme Court Justices that must review hundreds of petitions written by individuals each week. Petitions can be written by anyone including lawyers, criminals, etc. Each petition is given equal attention.

The Justices' job is to interpret a 200-year-old constitution. As a Supreme Court Justice, they are required to protect liberty, preserve the union, and uphold rules of law. I was surprised to learn that the president was responsible for appointing a Supreme Court Justice. Since there are only nine spots selected, it is a very difficult job to get. The video said that the Supreme Court became a co-equal branch of government during the John Marshall years. I was surprised to learn that at the Supreme Court Justices meet each week and shake on another's hands before they start. This is done to prevent tension in the group.

The most important take away about the videos is that the Supreme Court includes a very powerful group of people that can override or confirm a lower court's decision. I never realized that their final decision becomes a precedent for future cases. The Supreme Court gives people hope when they think they were mistreated in a trial.

After watching these videos, I feel very different about the Supreme Court. I have a new appreciation for our Supreme Court system. I never realized that any person is entitled to have the Supreme Court Justices review their case. I can see why other countries use our country’s Supreme Court system as a model for their own judicial branch of government.

References:

www.study.com

www.ushistory.org

www.time.com

www.smithsonionmagazine.com

Bible Challenge for Freedom Course:

 Bible Challenge for Freedom Course:

Ever since Biblical times, people have debated whether or not slavery can be justified in the world.

According to Time magazine, Christians previously utilized the bible to condone slavery. Christians believed that slavery was a way of life for the Israelites. The religious group explains that the bible provides no information to support the idea that slavery should be prohibited. The story of Philemon proves this point. Philemon was a runaway that Saint Paul made to go back to his owner. In addition, the Latin word servus was used in the Bible to reference the word slave.

In Christianity Today, Christians supported slavery because they believed it, “stands as an institution of God.” The Christians rationalized this concept explaining Abraham and other patriarchs had slaves without God's disapproval, the Ten Commandments include the word slavery twice showing God's acceptance of it, and Jesus never rejected it even though slavery existed in the Roman world.

Islam is another religion that permitted slavery since the early times. Islamic scriptures recognized slavery as an establishment and allowed non-Muslims to be imprisoned. In Judaism slaves were considered property but were treated as a large family with different protections. Although slavery was permitted in Judaism, it wasn’t very strict, slaves were allowed to be released.

Overall, slavery is not negatively mentioned in the Bible. Some people argue that slaves are individuals who need supervision, and that slavery benefits the entire civilization. Today, religious figures believe slavery is immoral and unjust. Religious societies, like the Quakers, state that all people should be treated equally. The Quakers tried to help many victims escape from slavery.

References:

https://academic-accelerator.com/encyclopedia/slavery-and-religion

https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-33/why-christians-supported-slavery.html

https://freetheslaves.net/take-action/faith-in-action-ending-slavery/

https://time.com/5171819/christianity-slavery-book-excerpt/

Hey! I am Samantha LaSalla

My name is Samantha LaSalla. My friends call me Sam. I live in Garden City, New York. My major is Event Management. In classes, I want to focus on learning more about history and society. Outside of my classes, I want to get involved in the school community. I look forward to joining a sorority and Club Cheer. I hope one day to be an event planner who creates beautiful memories for my clients. I used to have pet ferrets, named Roasty-Toasty and Smores, but they passed away. I now puppysit my friend's dog named Kaycee. My favorite food is Italian, especially my mom's pasta. My birthday is April 6th. My Zodiac sign is Aries. I am a freshman at HPU. I look forward to a great year ahead!