A Self-Evident Lie explores and underscores the fear and complex meaning of "slavery" to northerners before the Civil War. Many northerners asked: If slavery was the beneficent and paternalistic institution that southerners claimed; could it not be applied with equal morality to whites as well as blacks? Republicans repeatedly expressed concern that proslavery arguments were not inherently racial. Irrespective of race; anyone could fall victim to the argument that they were "inferior;" that they would be better off enslaved; that their enslavement served the interests of society; or that their subjugation was justified by history and religion. In trenchant and graceful prose; Jeremy Tewell argues that some Republicans; most notably Abraham Lincoln; held that the only effective safeguard of individual liberty was universal liberty; as expressed in the Declaration of Independence. As long as Americans believed that "all men" were endowed with inalienable rights to life; liberty; and the pursuit of happiness; everyone's liberty would be self-evident; regardless of circumstance.
#704801 in Books 2008-04-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .63 x 6.38l; .85 #File Name: 160320019396 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... was everything I expected but I was a little disappointed in the condition of the dust jacketBy Karen MacLeodThe book was everything I expected but I was a little disappointed in the condition of the dust jacket; it was dirty and torn. The seller stated that the book was new; a minor point; and had no effect on the importance of the content but was not what I have come to expect from a listed seller on . As for the content of the book itself read it it is a heartfelt and clear image of life under the Nazi as seen thought the eyes and emotions of a young girl on the verse of womanhood.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Rutka's life that she shared with usBy William S.A very interesting book looking into the life of a young girl that knows what's going to happen to her and her family in Poland during WW2. The book only spans a short period of time; but the reader can see and feel how Rutka's life is changing. If you have read Anna Frank's book; you'll like this one; seeing similar thoughts and thinking. I can't imaging having been treated that way and knowing that death is just a door knock away. I had a hard time finding this book and am glad I was able to read it. The book has additional information to help the reader understand what was happening during this period. I highly recommend it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. So sad....By Autumn SkyThis book is heart-wrenching because we readers have the priveledge of hindsight and know how things turned out for most of the Jews of Europe. I would not say that this book is of the same quality as Anne Frank's diary; but it is still a good reminder of the most tragic chapter in human history seen through the innocent eyes of a young girl who merely wanted to live her life in happiness and freedom....and yet she was denied this. Rutka's story touched my heart and made me want to reach through the pages of time and whisk her away to safety.Read this book so that you will come to know Rutka and then she will live forever in your heart.
