If anyone of the founders is OVERRATED it is that Proto-Limo Liberal Jacobin symphathizer Jefferson. Cheering on European radicalism from his huge plantation. The fact that he died nearly bankrupt (from excessive traveling and wine collecting, among other things) really provides insight into the temperment/fiscal responsability of TJ.
Hamilton, Washington, and Madison are my faves. The only good thing the AntiFederalists gave us was the Bill of Rights.
As a Washingtonian, I do not like Jefferson as a person (he started a rumor that The General was senile, and when Washington called him on it, lied and denied). At the same time, I must respect some of what TJ accomplished.
As far as Adams is concerned, I would volunteer to disassemble the Jefferson Monument and rebuild one to Adams on the same spot. After The General as "the indispensable man" I would say we very well might not have a Republic without Adams.
Oh come on.
Hamilton had personal issues of his own, one of them being his temper. More importantly, Hamilton strikes me as the REAL Proto-liberal, or perhaps ‘National greatness conservative’ at best. I don’t think much of his ultimate vision for the national government.
Jefferson may have been mistaken in his support for the French radicals but I can overlook that because he actually ATTEMPTED to get abolitionist legislation passed, was reserved in terms of public speaking (so not so much on the public preening you see from politicians) and was an immensely talented and brilliant individual.
I, probably unlike many here, appreciate his take on Christianity and religion itself and tend to agree with him. Was he a hypocrite on slavery? Certainly, but so was Washington.
I also admire a man who burns his correspondence with his wife after her death to preserve the couple’s intimacy. How many politicians would really do that today (other than for legal reasons lol) ??
Not a one of the Founders was perfect and I like Madison too. But I cannot ignore one of the individuals who still stands as one of the greatest Americans and WITHOUT the reputation-enhancement of oratory skill that has so assisted other figures.