`JEFFERSON' TAKES A STAND

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, January 26, 1993                   TAG: 9301260379
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short
`JEFFERSON' TAKES A STAND
A descendant of Thomas Jefferson, speaking in the persona of his famous ancestor, made a speech Monday at the Capitol opposing abortion.
Robert Coles - the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Jefferson - makes his living traveling around the country appearing as the third president and author of the Declaration of Independence. Coles, who has red hair and is said to resemble Jefferson, was dressed in a green coat and black knee pants in his appearance with the National Right to Life Committee.
Speaking in character as Jefferson, Coles said his writings were being misconstrued to "justify unspeakable actions." Among the inalienable rights listed in the Declaration is the right to life, Coles said, as about 50 children sat at his feet.
"The right to life . . . is the precursor to all other rights," Coles said. "One cannot have any other rights if one is dead. And yet some have exploited my warnings against government intrusion to say that others may be lawfully robbed of their right to live if these victims are small enough. These tiny unborn human beings have already been endowed with life by their creator - they are already here in this world."
Coles said it was the first time that he, as Jefferson, had gotten involved in a political issue. He said he expected to continue to be involved in the abortion fight.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB