Difference here being that the elite themselves fought on the battlefield. Imagine that happening now.
Yup. Fought, gave up their wealth, denied their heritage, and had a price put on their heads ... it's overwhelming to think of the commitment these men made. What a shame that 200+ years later a good many "Americans" are willfully straying from the course they've set and trying to drag the rest of us along -- slandering our Founders all the way.