WASHINGTON D.C. Dred Scott is
property. According to our Supreme Court
and Chief Judge Roger Taney, Scott is no different than a draft horse, a cotton
gin, or a bale of cotton. Although his
owner, Dr. John Emerson, took Mr. Scott and his family (wife Harriett and their
two children) to live in two FREE
states, the law of those states was ignored. Scott and his family remain in chains. Two questions. “How will abolitionists react to this
decision?” The highest court in our Republic
has said black men and women who are slaves remain the property of their owners
NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE. The other
question is “Will Southern states now carry out their threat to secede?” Justice Taney has basically handed them the
candy store. Southern slave owners could
lead a parade of their slaves through the streets of Boston, sticking their tongues out at the
abolitionists. But will the
abolitionists whip out their knives and cut off their tongues?
Although I do not care much for slaves, the abolitionists will take this badly. Their main purpose here is to free slaves and ensure they stay freed. They will be furious over the Supreme Court's ruling, and that alone may spark battle by itself. What happens next may be clear out of our control, and while the South is angry, it may not be able to afford to break off from the North. As a daughter of a well-to-do merchant, I have found that one's best work is best done by oneself. Although I always lived a comfortable, albeit quiet, life, I can understand the South's need for slaves but I can find it in my conscience to sympathize for those who must work day and night for the benefit of people who have done nothing but treat you badly. But whether or not this escalates to conflict and war, I may not be the one to say. I only wish for no one of my blood to be harmed in the times to come.
ReplyDeleteThe Supreme Court made a terrible mistake. Not only will the abolitionists express their distastes quite vocally and physically, the slaves living in the "free" states that shall be returned as property could rebel. Half the country with a mass amount of slaves? I do not believe that the government would want to deal with this. As you all must know, when our country has internal conflict, it begins to fight. And before you know it, there is a full blown war between our people. War is hell. I know first hand. The Supreme Court must do something about this before we see our people begin to kill.
ReplyDelete-Franklin Thompson
The Dress Scott decision is bosh. I may be focused on securing women's civil rights, but I am still enraged That African-Americans are being treated as property. This judgement is going to make quite a fuss. I agree with you Antonia Ford. Abolitionists will be fuming at this court ruling. I believe abolitionists will be protesting, both peacefully and violently, at this outrageous, shoddy verdict. Tensions will rise between the North and South as the gap between the two regions grows. I doubt the South will secede for now as the ruling went in their favor. They may not need to withdrawal from the Union because the Dred Scott decision has put America on the brink of a civil war. I do not look forward to a civil war, but I have devoted my life to making the world a better place. A civil war may be necessary to improve the world and abolish slavery.-Clara Barton #swag
ReplyDeleteAs a Union Spy I look down on this Supreme Court decision to say that a slave was property anywhere. I thought this country clearly established a fine line between slave states and free states! I fight for the Union because we are more civilized than people who are outrageously ignorant and simple-minded enough to think that skin color makes a difference or that thinks human beings can be denounced as property! This Supreme Court ruling is the dawn of a war that will tear the whole nation into the picture perfect hell hole. If the south are willing to go to war over the rights of a human being, than so be it. I am a woman. Surprising as it is, I know what it feels like to looked down upon as useless...nothing...a nobody. So as a citizen of the United States of America, I will make sure that this countries citizens get there rights no matter what it take. Because after all, we are the UNITED States of America.
ReplyDelete-Pauline Cushman
I believe the Supreme Court made the right decision. I own a farm down in Tennessee, and slaves are what makes it prosper. It's mighty easy having slaves and for you northerners who don't own a farm, wouldn't understand the importance of slaves. Without them, our farms wouldn't run. But I knew trouble was brewing, and the court desicion just incouraged war. I didn't want war, but I still wanted slaves. During the war I was neutral, until Union soldiers killed my two sons. That tipped me off and was the main reason I fought for the confederates.
ReplyDeleteSo African Americans should be treated as property just because they make your farms prosper? How would you feel if your status was the equivalent of a dog or horse? This ruling is morally wrong. It is outrageous that one would agree that slaves are property. Why? Do you think blacks have smaller brains than whites? That scuttlebutt is a bunch of bosh. The only peoples brains that are smaller are the people who are too blind to see that blacks are equal to whites. (Especially your old, decaying brain, you old geezer). Tehee :)
Delete-Clara Barton #Roastin'JackHinson
I also believe that the Supreme Court made a favorable decision. However, it is not slavery that I fight for, but Southern culture, private property, and state's rights. Slaves are a part of Southern culture, so abolitionists trying to take away slaves are taking a part of our culture. Slaves are property to those who payed for them, and property remains property, no matter where you go. It would not make sense that Scott would be a free man for simply moving into a free state. Also, abolitionists that are trying to free our slaves, and therefore messing with our state rights. The states should decide whether or not slavery is allowed, and should not be influenced by northerners who do not understands our ways.
ReplyDeleteI believe this Supreme Court decision is a very unwise one. Southerners, if anything, are more morbid than ever on the subject of slavery. I have heard a member of the Virginia Legislature say that anyone speaking against slavery, or doubting its divinity, ought to be hung. As an abolitionist living in Virginia, a southern state, I must me more careful than ever now that this fateful decision has torn the United States even farther apart. The subject of slavery is a delicate one, but I strongly believe that no man, or woman, should be property of another. I am a silent and sorrowful spectator of the rise and spread of the secession mania here in the south, which I can rightfully dread with all my heart. My United States are not united anymore, and I predict this will be a dark time in my nation's grand history.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I admire your courage to stand against the norm on this matter. However, slavery may be needed if this country is to prosper. Without strong workers to plow the fields, sow the seeds, and reap the harvests, you are asking for your own brethren to take their burden. Would it be fair, to see your children or friends, most of whom are sharp of mind but not of body, forced to bend their backs under the heat of the sun? Or would you rather have the slaves, all of whom have no attachment or association to you, to take such a difficult and important task?
DeleteYou may be right on the dark times to come though. From the way the cards are falling, it will not be long before the rage of each side spills over and creates a war in this boiling cauldron of conflict. The South only grows more bold with its threats of secession, and it will not be long till they follow through.
As a member of the Union, I am one of many abolitionists. The Dred Scott decision has only made things worse. The difference in our countries views has grown to an all-time high and now there's definitely no going back. The decision to treat people as property has been wrong since the beginning, but to enforce it! I may be completely against slavery, but even if I weren't, I would see this as an act that goes against all humanitarian beliefs. This decision has made our government many more enemies than friends. Apparently the United States of America aren't as "united" as they claim to be. Maybe a civil war would finally bring peace and equality to our country.
ReplyDelete-F.L Clayton
As a well trained doctor and very educated women in this troublesome time, I flashed back to my days as a child. My parents brought me up very much opposed to slavery. I believe so strongly in women's rights now, so I haven't quite had time to focus on this subject. I believe that women don't need men. "if men were made to protect women, who would protect them," that is what I believe. Whether the color of your skin in colored or white, women are equal to men, and that is that.
ReplyDeleteAs an extreme abolitionist, I am furious. Slavery is terrible, and the Supreme Court is making it even worse by making slaves property, even in free states! The fact that our government would do such an in moral act, that makes many of their citizens mad is almost bad enough to call for a civil war. If the government continues like this, civil war will be inevitable.
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ReplyDeleteI am not an extreme abolitionist but I still oppose slavery. I do not believe the Supreme Court made the right decision. I think if a slave is brought to a northern, free state, then the slave should be free. I think that this decision could be what brings the start to a civil war.
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ReplyDeleteAs a southern woman, I support slavery. I think that the abolitionists don't understand how much slaves help everyone. Why should us whites have to do work while there all blacks that are basically programed to do it? Slavery makes life easier for all white people. Abolitionists only support slavery because they believe in equal rights, which is totally wrong.
ReplyDeleteDoes making a black man suffer give you a proud and happy life? Does beating a human being just so they will work harder when they are working as hard as they physically can make you proud? Slaves are humans and nobody has the right to enslave someone of their kind just because of the color of their skin. Nobody has been "programmed" to work long strenuous hours. Nobody has been "programmed" to be whipped, kicked, starved, and beaten. Equal rights is not wrong, blacks are human too, we abolitionists don't enslave whites just because we feel like we have more power over you. Let the slaves go!
DeleteThe Supreme Court made a horrible decision making slaves property. As myself being a extreme Abolitionist this makes other abolitionist furious. Slavery is getting worse and us abolitionist need to make a stand. We need to stand up and fight, not just sit around and give speeches we need to bring violence to stop slavery. Slaves that are in northern states they should be free. This is one thing that really starts to create the civil war between the north and the south.
ReplyDeleteAs a man who has traveled all over the country I don't think highly of slavery, but as a Southern citizen I understand the economic importance that they represent. I don't necessarily agree with it though. I have always believed in the Northerners way and would like it better to see slavery abolished.
ReplyDeleteAbolitionists don't realize that slaves are property to the south. The south's economy is based on farming. Who better to attend this then slaves? All these slaves running away hurts our economy. The supreme court made a good decision by having slaves returned back to them even in free states if they escaped. Southern property belongs to southerners.
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ReplyDeleteSlaves are my property and I am greatful for the Supreme Court's decision. The South will continue to fight to keep slavery as it is-legal. The money we save by using the nigger labor is going to help better our economy and stabilize the country. te Supreme Court recognized that and is going to keep slavery legal... despite all the abolitionists vain attempts to get rid of it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about politics, but the treatment of blacks grates on my heart. As a mother myself, I don't believe that any mother should be separated from her children, or forced to see them beat. I can't even begin to imagine the horrible acts that have been inflicted on the colored people
ReplyDeletePersonally, this feels wrong to me, but I do not feel this to be a terrible tragedy. I know that it is wrong, but it could be much worse. Though I am an abolitionist, I am not an outspoken one, and just believe in the abolition movement's ideas. Though this is true, I am prepared to fight for the freedom of all people in America. That is the whole point of this country, isn't it? I'm deeply disappointed with the decision of Mr. Taney. I served in the United States Military so that people could remain free, and yet the Southern States continue to go against that.
ReplyDelete-William Sherman
i am not a political man but this decision is hard to take, especially being a freed slave. how, in a country based on freedoms, can a man be the property of another. Though i am free, i must always watch my back because of the southerners
ReplyDeleteI am a firm believer in abolition. My family and I have always been very religious and committed to social justice, so it felt natural for me to oppose slavery I believe that all humans should be equal, whether they are black or white, a man or a woman. I worked hard to express my opinion on slavery, particularly through my best-selling novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. Everyone should be granted the same rights and liberties as any other human in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be the next U.S. President
ReplyDeleteAs a highly educated man I think that slavery is wrong and that it should be abolished. I do not want to get my hands dirty as a soldier but I would work silently and smoothly behind enemy lines. Whatever our president needs me for. Lets work together to abolish slavery once and for all.
ReplyDeleteI believe slavery is wrong and hope that the north can overcome slavery. As a loyal resident of Maine, a state that entered free I have gotten used to life without slavery and I find it most enjoyable. There are almost no rebellions and the people here are much happier with an honest living. I see no reason why slaves should be reduced to labor based on the color of their skin and I urge any liberty loving man to join the Northern army.
ReplyDeleteThis Supreme Court decision is very wrong. As a female abolitionist in the north, I believe that no human should have to be treated this way and that slavery should not exist at all in this country. I have been urging women in the south to help abolish slavery because it is not right. Everyone should have equal rights, and us, as abolitionists, need to stand up and make the change.
ReplyDeleteAs i was also a slave once and now a strong abolitionist,this decision that the Supreme Court is making is horrible.I have led many slaves to freedom and now they want to make them property! if they are free they shall not have to go back as propery! we shall all be treated equally!
ReplyDeleteI am a abolitionist. I believe that the Supreme Court decision was a terrible ruling. Slaves a people too, they can't belong to someone else.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with abolitionists, slaves are property not people. As head general, of course I have slaves. In fact several of my slaves became fugitives and were brought back from the North. Abolitionists will be furious when they hear that Scott's family is in chains while living in the North. But I could care less those scaly wags don't deserve to be free. Southern States, where I live and work, want to secede and create their own union. Although the South will not work to complete the secession. I wish that slavery is in all states, although I don't want to seperate from the United States.
ReplyDeletehow are slaves property? we are all people and should all be treated equally. you whites have no idea how hard our lives have been! i would like to see you do the kind of labor we do everyday. Slaves who were freeded should not be taken back as property. they got their freedom and you shall not take that away from them
DeleteAs an abolitionist and being part of the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society, I believe that Judge Taney's decision on the Dred Scott case is unacceptable. Scott made a valiant and right decision suing the court, I respect his boldness to stand up for his rights as human being, not property. The Dred Scott decision is just more evidence of the sinful discrimination of the African Americans. I hope that from this, more people will see the inequality and unjust treatment towards us black folks. From this decision, I don't think the southern states will secede. I'm afraid that this decision has encouraged them and they will abuse their power over slaves. Violence and sectionalism will worsen.
ReplyDeleteI agree with William Still. Standing uo for human rights for us black people and such as Dred Scott must be done. If this case is strong, the whites will see the inequality between white and black. If this case is weak, people will protest either way, and naturally, violence will occur. Since you are a abolitionist, you need to take action for our people, and I will be at your side. But we must be careful, because I am a free slave, and I dread going back to becoming property.
DeleteAs a free slave and also a spy, I believe that Dred Scott should not be treated as property. He should have the right to be a free slave since he lives in the free state. Those state's laws should not be ignored. Also acting as a spy, my mission would be to find out more about this cause and help Dred Scott become free. Abolitionists will not keep still, they will speak out and stand up to what is right. I, will stand up with them and make sure slave owners obey the law.
ReplyDeleteDred Scott is absolutely not property. Slaves are humans, not animals or property! Whites are purchasing blacks and forcing them to work long hours and while working they are beat to a pulp."The white man's happiness cannot be purchased by the black man's misery." I was a slave and was the treatment was brutal. "My enslavers had treated me horribly and everyday I was led to abhor and detest my enslavers. I could regard them in no other light than a band of successful robbers, who had left their homes, and gone to Africa, and stolen us from our homes, and in a strange land reduced us to slavery. I loathed them as being the meanest as well as the most wicked of men. As I read and contemplated the subject, behold! that very discontentment which Master Hugh had predicted would follow my learning to read had already come, to torment and sting my soul to unutterable anguish. As I writhed under it, I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without the remedy. it opened my eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out. in moments of agony, I envied my fellow-slaves for their stupidity. I have often wished myself a beast. I preferred the condition of the meanest reptile to my own. Any thing, no matter what, to get rid of thinking! It was this everlasting thinking of my condition that tormented me. There was no getting rid of it. It was pressed upon me by every object within sight or hearing, animate or inanimate. The silver trump of freedom had roused my soul to eternal wakefulness. Freedom now appeared, to disappear no more forever. It was heard in every sound and seen in every thing. It was ever present to torment me with a sense of my wretched condition. I saw nothing without seeing it, I heard nothing without hearing it, and felt nothing without feeling it. It looked from every star, it smiled in every calm, breathed in every wind, and moved in every storm.” Not a SINGLE human should be treated this brutally because we are all equal. We are all brethren and son of the same God. God loves us all equally and so we should love each other as equally as God loves his children. As an abolitionist I will work my tail off to free the slaves in our Nation because as a former slave I know the pain and nobody should live a life as horrible as that.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness we have received support from the Supreme Court. Dred Scott is his masters property and he is still a slave. The people of the north and abolitionists must understand that We pay for our slaves with our own money and therefore they are property.
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