Thomas Jefferson-I didnt realize

     President of the United States, Author of The Declaration of Independence, organizer of the Louisiana Purchase; these are accomplishments most of us know that Thomas Jefferson made.  But, did you know that he founded the University of Virginia, was ambassador to France, and was an accomplished architect?  All of these are amazing feats for one man, but perhaps the most interesting fact that was unknown to me was that he owned over 130 slaves.  I find this to be an incredible fact considering that this is the man that coined  phrases such as "all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,"  and "the best principles of our republic secure to all its citizens a perfect equality of rights."  How is it then, that this champion of equal rights owned over 130 slaves?  It would seem that someone so set on providing equality for all men, would not enslave fellow human beings.  It seems to be a complete contradiction.  Although, some say he treated his slaves fairly and perhaps even provided a better life than they would have had outside of slavery, he still held slaves against their will.  So, would you consider Thomas Jefferson a hypocrite or a humanitarian?