Dred Scott’s Revenge by Judge Andrew Napolitano: A Review

// August 31st, 2009 // Books, Daily Life, History, People

It’s always a privilege to review a book as a Book Review Blogger for Thomas Nelson. I happen to love history, especially American history. I’ve heard Judge Nap on Fox News a lot and was intrigued to see this book as an option in the BRB selections. With our first black President in office, I thought this might help me understand a little better the dynamics of race in America and it’s history. This book did that and more.

Judge Nap takes us on a journey through a legal history of race in America. He has studied this thoroughly and his references are well documented. Beginning before the Revolutionary War and working right up to our present times, the Judge details the attempts to rid America of slavery, who was at the forefront, and the reasons why racism is still prevalent today.

The most troublesome section for me was frankly the role President Lincoln played. I’d always thought he was foremost the anti-slavery president. According to Judge Nap and his meticulous research, when it came right down to it, keeping the Nation together was more important than freeing ALL slaves. Want proof? Why did the emancipation proclamation not end slavery and racism? Lynchings and segregation existing right up until recently. Lincoln wasn’t the only one. The founders also realized that if slavery was abolished entirely, a UNITED states would not have been possible.

If there is one thing that saddens me most, it is how the black community has been used over and over again for political expediency. Many church leaders were the worst culprits in promoting racism. I urge you to read this book. It will surely open your eyes to a race that has been held down both legally and emotionally for 300 years on this continent. You will surely look at people of color differently and with a heart of compassion.