Haven’t read this yet, but my revisionist history antennae are twitching. Searching for a large grain of salt ...
Since they left europe to form a new country based on these ideas before even meeting this indian tribe, I’d say his argument is wrong.
Also since the tribe was run by a chief in a structured way and not a democratic approach, I’d say he is wrong.
I have to agree with you.
As a side note, the Iroquis fought with the Brits as did the rest of the Five Nations--except for one: The Oneidas. They were on the patriot side throughout the RevWar.
So, if you ever want to support Indian enterprise, you can feel especially good about supporting the Oneidas (they are mainly in NY State and Wisconsin, today).
It’s silly. Even if a) the Founders gave SERIOUS consideration to the notion that non-Euros could have important thoughts about concepts of self-government, they b) would have been overwhelmed by their own voluminous readings of Locke and the other Enlightenment thinkers.