[WASHINGTON]
The issue on the table: a petition from a Quaker delegation in Philadelphia calling on Congress to end the African slave trade and abolish slavery, in all its forms. This petition was written and signed by Benjamin Franklin; it cannot go ignored. If this comes to a vote in Congress, what is the White House's position? Secretary Jefferson, you first. Tread lightly.
[JEFFERSON]
Sir, the constitution clearly states
That the states have to wait until eighteen-oh-eight to debate
On whether to end the slave trade.
And whether or not you want it, guys
That is the final compromise we made.
[HAMILTON]
Sir, wait—
[JEFFERSON]
But for a second, let us say
That we can legislate unanimous emancipation
Freedom reigns, and yes, it's great.
We cannot cure prejudice or righteous, desperate hate
So back to Africa or do they get a separate state?
In 1784, I tried to float banning slavery in the West.
My notion didn't get a single vote.
Slavery's a sin. It's growing like a cancer
But we can't address a question if we do not have an answer
[HAMILTON]
Is it my turn? Good.
Plantation states are packed with promise makers
Do you realize the precious time these legislators wasted?
Institutionalizing slavery only multiplies our troubles
Wait till the 1800s, and their population doubles
You all know this is a stain on our souls and democracy
A land of the free? No, it's not. It's hypocrisy
To subjugate, dehumanize a race, call 'em property
And say that we are powerless to stop it? Can you not foresee?
Sir, even you, you have hundreds of slaves
Whose descendants will curse our names
When we're safe in our graves
How will the South find labor for its businesses?
How will Thomas Jefferson find his next mistresses?
The issue on the table: a petition from a Quaker delegation in Philadelphia calling on Congress to end the African slave trade and abolish slavery, in all its forms. This petition was written and signed by Benjamin Franklin; it cannot go ignored. If this comes to a vote in Congress, what is the White House's position? Secretary Jefferson, you first. Tread lightly.
[JEFFERSON]
Sir, the constitution clearly states
That the states have to wait until eighteen-oh-eight to debate
On whether to end the slave trade.
And whether or not you want it, guys
That is the final compromise we made.
[HAMILTON]
Sir, wait—
[JEFFERSON]
But for a second, let us say
That we can legislate unanimous emancipation
Freedom reigns, and yes, it's great.
We cannot cure prejudice or righteous, desperate hate
So back to Africa or do they get a separate state?
In 1784, I tried to float banning slavery in the West.
My notion didn't get a single vote.
Slavery's a sin. It's growing like a cancer
But we can't address a question if we do not have an answer
[HAMILTON]
Is it my turn? Good.
Plantation states are packed with promise makers
Do you realize the precious time these legislators wasted?
Institutionalizing slavery only multiplies our troubles
Wait till the 1800s, and their population doubles
You all know this is a stain on our souls and democracy
A land of the free? No, it's not. It's hypocrisy
To subjugate, dehumanize a race, call 'em property
And say that we are powerless to stop it? Can you not foresee?
Sir, even you, you have hundreds of slaves
Whose descendants will curse our names
When we're safe in our graves
How will the South find labor for its businesses?
How will Thomas Jefferson find his next mistresses?
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