Remove Andrew Jackson From The 20 Dollar Bill
The United States currency is a symbol of national identity and pride. It is a reflection of the country's history, culture, and values. However, the current design of the twenty-dollar bill has sparked controversy and debate. The image of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, is featured on the front of the twenty-dollar bill. Many argue that Jackson's legacy is tarnished by his actions towards Native Americans and his support of slavery. Therefore, there is a growing movement to remove Jackson's image from the twenty-dollar bill.
Andrew Jackson's Legacy
Andrew Jackson was a complex figure in American history. He was a war hero, a populist, and a controversial President. However, Jackson's legacy is marred by his treatment of Native Americans and his support of the institution of slavery.
As President, Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced thousands of Native Americans to leave their ancestral lands and move to reservations in Oklahoma. The journey, known as the Trail of Tears, was a brutal and deadly experience for many Native Americans. Jackson's actions towards Native Americans have been widely criticized as a violation of human rights and a stain on American history.
In addition, Jackson was a slave owner and defended the institution of slavery. He believed that slavery was a necessary evil and that slaves were better off under the care of their masters. Jackson's views on slavery are incompatible with the values of equality and freedom that are enshrined in the American Constitution.
The Campaign to Remove Jackson from the Twenty-Dollar Bill
The campaign to remove Jackson from the twenty-dollar bill has gained momentum in recent years. Advocates argue that it is time to recognize the harm that Jackson's actions have caused and to honor a more deserving American hero on the twenty-dollar bill.
One of the leading voices in the campaign is Women on 20s, a non-profit organization that advocates for gender equality on U.S. currency. The organization conducted a survey in 2015 to determine which historical American woman should replace Jackson on the twenty-dollar bill. The survey received over 600,000 votes, and Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist and former slave, was chosen as the top candidate.
In 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that Harriet Tubman would replace Jackson on the twenty-dollar bill. However, the decision was later delayed by the Trump administration, and it is uncertain whether the redesign will ever come to fruition.
Why It Matters
The debate over the twenty-dollar bill may seem trivial, but it is an important symbol of American values and identity. The images and icons that appear on U.S. currency reflect the country's history, culture, and values. They are a reflection of who we are as a nation and what we stand for.
Removing Jackson from the twenty-dollar bill would send a powerful message about the values that the United States upholds. It would acknowledge the harm that Jackson's actions have caused and honor the legacy of a more deserving American hero. It would also be a step towards greater representation and diversity on U.S. currency.
Conclusion
The campaign to remove Andrew Jackson from the twenty-dollar bill is a reflection of the changing values and priorities of the American people. Jackson's legacy is a complex and controversial one, but his actions towards Native Americans and his support of slavery are incompatible with the values of equality and freedom that are enshrined in the American Constitution. By removing Jackson's image from the twenty-dollar bill, the United States can send a powerful message about the values that it upholds and honor the legacy of a more deserving American hero.