Some would argue that the proclamation was nothing more than carefully constructed propaganda. Others see it as a blatant contradiction on the part of its major creator, Thomas Jefferson, who preached liberty while treating humans as chattel. Still others see it as an expression of the common man's desire for freedom from an overbearing government. Jefferson wrote the declaration during his time as president of the United States. He wanted it to be known around the world that his country was not going to be ruled by England. In order for this to happen, however, people needed to know that America was independent from Britain. Thus, Jefferson had two options: he could have told the truth about the United States' relationship with Great Britain, which would have made him appear weak; or he could lie and claim American independence. It is believed that Jefferson chose the second option. He knew that telling the truth about America's relations with England would have caused too many problems for him. For example, it might have forced him to give up his position as president or face criminal charges. Instead, he lied and said that America was free from Britain when in fact it was not. By doing so, Jefferson was being hypocritical because he was trying to convince other countries that America was free while at the same time keeping England happy. In addition, by lying, Jefferson was showing that he was not a leader who could be trusted.