Alexander Hamilton's individual portrait should not be removed from the US ten-dollar notes. He was not a president of United States. He may not be as great as a leader figure as George Washington or Abraham Lincoln in the eyes of American citizens but he is definitely one of the least known figures in American history. Alexander Hamilton is by far the person who played a crucial role in uniting diverse bunch of colonies that formed the backbone of United States. The thought was removed when an amazing biography on George Washington was written which solidify George Washington's position as the great contributor to US unification and formation. He was known to be not a very smart but patriotic servant to the country. He was also known to have identifies Hamilton as a talented statesman and stepped down at the right moment just before US was becoming a true democratic country.
Washington was more than meets the eye. He was a brilliant leader that US owes a lot to, as US would never have a prosperous future without him. He made Hamilton one of the greatest Americans of all time, maybe among the best two. Thomas Jefferson used to be the most feared rival for Hamilton and known for being a hypocrite. His background and basis for hypocrisy include championing freedom for all people regardless of race or ethnicity but in private, he did not release his own slaves. He publicly voiced his hate over banks and financial institutions but was living on borrowed money all his life and eventually died with a heavy debt burden. He was described as being fond of the strong commoners but do not give proper acknowledgement when they were engaged in a complicated project trying to beautify a city. He was known to despise the elite society but had in one point in time romantically involved with an aristocrat from the upper echelon. He was known to be a fierce supporter for violent revolution and insisted on having one for every 20 years. His reason was that any results of fighting for liberation should be reminded with the spill of blood by patriotic citizens. Nevertheless, he was known to run from responsibility and did not fight alongside when British sent their troops to Richmond.
Thomas Jefferson is a unique character with some good admirable qualities despite being known to be a hypocrite. This is the mark of a brilliant man. U.S. was extremely fortunate with him around. There were not many books that one can find in any major bookstore from New York about Hamilton but there are plenty regarding the life of Thomas Jefferson. That used to disappoint history lovers but not anymore in recent times. Hamilton was known to help out young pretty women who tried to blackmail Hamilton. Hamilton had been known to confess in adultery activities to destroy rumors of corruption.
The single most important trait that made Hamilton the most honorable American is his daring imagination. He visualized an America that would have been impossible, and laid out the framework in a systematic manner that made his vision materialized. The greatness of Hamilton is captured in a famous biography written in 2000 and 2005 with the latest being written in 2014. The authors are Richard Brookhiser, Ron Chernow and Willard Randall respectively. Chernow;s biography is highly recommended but many Hamilton admirers will have a tough time choosing.
Jack Lew, the treasury secretary is pondering on replacing Alexander Hamilton for the 10 dollar bill with one woman. Americans have been understating the contributions by women for the US and it is time to rectify it. However Alexander Hamilton should not be diminished for the cause.