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Thadius -> RE: Tea Party speaker calls for voter literacy tests (2/10/2010 12:49:02 PM)
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ORIGINAL: philosophy
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ORIGINAL: Thadius
Ron,
Thanks for the citing. Indeed a name that says it all.
I was just pointing out that there was probably an assumption that a property owner at that time was literate or at the very least had more education than those that did not (in general).
...well, we're into mind reading land. What we can say, with certainty, is that literacy was not explicitally required, at least not until later.
Oh, and thanks to Tazzy and Ron for the informative posts. i sincerely appreciate their efforts.
Neither was that firearms be used for hunting or self defense.
Then again it may just be easier to cite from one of the citations that you have already accepted.
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Jefferson cited a direct correlation between literacy, citizenship and successful self-government (D: p 80). With literacy came knowledge and discernment and with these came the means of safeguarding self-government and independence (D: p 81). Jefferson hypothesized that literacy and self-government work hand in hand and was a key component to self-preservation. The basis for Jefferson's belief system on the merits of literacy was derived from his own personal experiences related to reading in the pursuit of knowledge. Reading paved the way for self-discipline, self-governance, and self-efficacy. Jefferson viewed the link between literacy and successful citizenship as unambiguous and direct (D: p, 81). He saw literacy as a liberating and transforming force the equalizer for the masses and the essential mechanism necessary for human liberation.
Emphasis mine.
Oh and a portion that tazzy cited earlier:
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Although Jefferson wrote about the need for education and self-governance, it is quite evident he saw a difference between the classes as far as educational opportunity. Jefferson viewed literacy as a liberating and transforming force the equalizer for the masses and the essential mechanism necessary for human liberation. He was a staunch proponent of a basic education for all. However, since he separated the laboring from the learned class, himself a member of the learned class, I would think he viewed the opinion of the learned class as that which ultimately would take precedence.
You suggest that we are out in mind reading territory, I suggest that simple deduction and logical reasoning suggests what I have stated. However, we can attempt to lay it out a bit more for you. Arguably the largest group of property owners were the Puritans, who believed heavily in learning to read and write as it helped with Bible studies. These are also the same people granted the right to vote and who helped to write many of the clauses and laws of the time. Simplified version help lay it out a bit better?
As a side note. The original conditions did not preclude all women from voting, as some states did allow widows of property owners the right.
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