Locke exercised a profound influence on political philosophy, in particular on modern liberalism. His arguments concerning liberty and the social contract influenced the written works of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and other Founding Fathers of the United States. In fact, one passage from the Second Treatise is reproduced verbatim in the Declaration of Independence, the reference to a "long train of abuses." Such was Locke's influence that Thomas Jefferson wrote: "Bacon, Locke and Newton . . . I consider them as the three greatest men that have ever lived, without any exception, and as having laid the foundation of those superstructures which have been raised in the Physical and Moral sciences."

Considering changes in his thinking over time, it seems clear that Locke ended up not trying to justify Afro-American slavery. More likely, he was accusing the King of England of trying to illegitimately enslave the English people.

And Goofus, John Locke is not my hero as you claim. He wrote a lot of good stull, but I do not agree with everything he wrote.

Goofus, your ignorance is so abysmal that it's simply impossible to educate you without starting from scratch, like going back to kindergarten. But even that is undoubtedly fruitless because your alleged mind is already so full of confused ideas, prejudices, and misconceptions that it would be a hopeless task.

Back to your music, Goofus. Leave off attempts at political discussion and stick to writing imitation Vangelis.

Don Firth