Historically, the American character is one of moral, political and religious paradox. Distinguished, revolutionary, and brilliant, the American created the modern model of democracy by enslaving one entire race of people and nearly committing genocide upon another. Oh, and he left his wife at home while he did it. Enlightened, spiritual, and pious, the American sought freedom from religious persecution, and then he went out lynching and witch hunting those who were different —and brought his wife along while he did it. Discriminate, just, and moral, the American trusted the will of the people to elect its leaders by ignoring more than half of its population, including his wife, who left at home while he did it. From Thomas Jefferson to William Jefferson Clinton, the American character, magnanimous and meretricious, is consistently linked to a dual struggle with morality, politics or religion.