I confess to not having listened to a word of the Declaration of Independence. At the time I barely knew the name of the author of this sublime document. I do remember hearing someone comment that since Mr. Jefferson had seen fit to pledge so eloquently our lives to the cause of independence, he might at least join us in the army. But wise Tom preferred the safety of Virginia and the excitement of local politics to the discomforts and dangers of war.
The character expresses a sense of ignorance regarding the Declaration of Independence, admitting to not fully engaging with its significance or the identity of Thomas Jefferson, its author. This reflects a broader sentiment of disconnection from pivotal historical events and figures, highlighting a personal lack of investment in the nation's cause for independence.
The critique of Jefferson suggests a perception of hypocrisy, as he eloquently championed independence while avoiding the dangers of the battlefield. The character's awareness of Jefferson's choice to prioritize his political ambitions in Virginia over military involvement raises questions about the integrity of those in power during the revolutionary period.
