Harriet Tubman the Right to Write on the Bill

A talk of change to US currency has sparked controversy within the White House and America. To begin with this issue, during Obama’s term the removing of former president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt from the dime. Later, once secretary Timothy Franz Geithner was confronted about the situation he made an agreement to change the face of the 20 dollar bill instead. Currently, the bill has former president Andrew Jackson’s face on the front and has been there since 1928. To be the face on any currency especially the United States is more than an honor, which Jackson does not deserve.

Harriet “Moses” Tubman is a well-know name, to even say that it’s a “well-known” name seems to be a complete understatement. Now, I’m not saying that Andrew Jackson isn’t as iconic because he is but, not in the most appropriate spotlight from today’s perspective. Even in American classes today for someone to even mention the Underground Railroad their mind will go to a few things: runaway slaves and Harriet Tubman being a conductor for those slaves.

Not to say she was the only one because there were both African Americans and whites who helped get people to freedom no matter what it took. She can be described as many things but to sum all of those things: she’s a hero. Rather than putting people through oppression she got them out. Rather than putting people through years of suffering she saved them from it. A fearless woman that risked her life hundreds of times to free human beings that had been treated like animals (for most), all their lives.

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And because of this she was considered a nightmare to plantation owners throughout the south. Far worse than a black in the south being able to read and right.

Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson, seventh President of the United States and successful general in the year 1812. Being a war hero doesn’t necessarily make him a good man which is a misguided opinion. Winning battles means you were strategically making moves that would overwhelm the enemy. For that reason and also being considered a “common man” Jackson was practically given the presidency. A president whom which ruled due to personal beliefs of the common man. Jackson was the first president to consecutively veto bills on the simple fact he didn’t like the legislative branch. So far there’s not much wrong with what’s said above and for a good reason. Small things as such can easily be overlooked simply because he’s a war hero. During his term he made unfair decisions when it came to Native Americans and their land. A man responsible for the notorious Trail of Tears. Forcefully removing Native Americans from their rightful land to the west, deeming it their new territory. Someone who only wanted to do right by themselves.

It is clear where my opinion lies when it comes to whose face should represent American currency. I’d much rather see a true American hero that actually sought out to help others. She didn’t do it because she would gain something from it—or because she had a hidden agenda. Harriet Tubman will easily always be remembered as a luminary. Not only will it give her the recognition she deserves but it’ll be a historical event. The first African American to represent United States money. To end on this note it would be a beneficial step for us as a country. Having blacks that represent(ed) America in a positive way, actually have something to show for their sacrifices and hard work.