Greg Bruhn: Jackson’s betrayal

Regarding the July 28 Focus article “Time to quit honoring Old Hickory”: I would like to commend The News & Observer for continuing to incorporate the contributions of semi-retired stalwarts like A.C. Snow, Dwane Powell and, most recently, Dennis Rogers into your readership.

I grew up singing the praises of Andrew Jackson’s campaign against the British during the War of 1812. I can still recite the lyrics of “The Battle of New Orleans,” penned by Arkansas schoolteacher and songwriter, Jimmy Driftwood, and popularized by country singer Johnny Horton. The song was a huge hit during the late 1950s and makes occasional appearances on infomercials promoting recordings “from the golden age of country.”

I join Rogers in supporting the removal of Jackson’s likeness from the $20 bill. Native Americans don’t need to be reminded of betrayal each time a purchase is made with a $20 bill.

Chief Junaluska provided 636 Cherokees to join Jackson’s forces at the Battle of the Horseshoe on Alabama’s Tullapoosa River in 1813, sparing Jackson’s life. Later, when Junaluska made a personal appeal in opposition to the Indian Removal Act, he was dismissed by President Jackson. Later during the forced removal, Junaluska expressed his deep sense of betrayal from a former ally.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Greg Bruhn: Jackson’s betrayal."