Thomas Jefferson: Radical and Racist Thomas Jefferson, the author contends, was in the grip of a fanatical cult of unbridled liberty -- a position that has made him a hero to modern American militias. And Jefferson's views on race and slavery are contradictory when they are not abhorrent -- a fact hidden for years, the author writes, by "soothing obfuscation." Does America have any further use for this man? Should he be removed from his niche in the national pantheon? by Conor Cruise O'Brien Web-Only: Counter Points Jefferson scholar Douglas Wilson responds.

The Empty Symbolism of American Politics A tendency toward the "middle ground" has long been recognized as one of Americans' most enduring political traits. But is the middle worth embracing if the extremes it's between lack a basis in reality? by Robert A. Levine

Reports Notes & Comment: A Talk With Bill Clinton The present era of wrenching economic transition bears a certain resemblance to the one a century ago -- but we have the means, the President believes, to create more winners and fewer losers. by James Fallows The Environment: The Sub-Seabed Solution Burying radioactive waste under the ocean floor is opposed by many, but it may be the best thing to do. by Steven Nadis Brief Lives: Banana Man The American experience through the eyes of a nervy Korean-American columnist. by Nicholas Lemann Web-Only: Banana Man Speaks From the pages of KoreAm Journal. Personal File: Say Something Why grown-ups should take charge. by Lucie Prinz Fiction & Poetry Target A poem by Linda Gregerson From Willow Temple A short story by Donald Hall Web-Only: Read Atlantic Unbound's interview with Donald Hall. India Cotton Shirt A poem by Erica Funkhouser Browse and search The Atlantic's online archive. The seahorse symbol indicates that an article is supplemented with additional Atlantic material, such as related articles, audio, or special online sidebars.		Arts & Leisure Travel: Two Kinds of Paradise The Caribbean island of Nevis is a relative latecomer to the tourist trade, which works to both your and its advantage. by Barbara Wallraff Food: Salsa Without Tears Now is the season to experiment with homemade salsas. by Corby Kummer Books Clinton Scandals, Inc. Four books in the curious new subculture that is "the Clinton legends." by Martin Walker A Birth-Control Crusader "The Sex Side of Life": Mary Ware Dennett's Pioneering Battle for Birth Control and Sex Education, by Constance M. Chen by Marjorie Heins Brief Reviews by Phoebe-Lou Adams Other Departments 77 North Washington Street Contributors Letters (Send a letter to the editor.) The October Almanac Word Court by Barbara Wallraff Note: some material from The Atlantic's print edition is not available online, at the request of the authors or artists.
All material copyright © 1996 by The Atlantic Monthly Company. All rights reserved.