If the Founding Fathers Were to Come Back to Life, Would They Regret the American Revolution?

Comte De Maistre

[ComtedeMaistre]

When the founders of this great country rose up against King George III of England, two-and-a-quarter centuries ago, and demanded that there should be no taxation without representation, they changed the destiny of this country forever. I recently read a history book on the revolutionary war, and when I discovered how tiny the tax increases that caused the early Americans to revolt against their king were, I could not help but be amused.

The Bush administration has government spending simply out of control, even as they are attempting to cut a little of the excessive tax burden on working folk. Now they have angered second ammendment advocates, by proposing to renew the assault weapons ban. And all this is happening with a Republican Congress and Senate.

If the founders were to rise up from their graves, they would not recognize the constitutional republic they created over 200 years ago, where the role of the federal government was limited to a few simple duties. They would also question the sanity of an electorate that puts individuals such as Hillary Clinton, Charles Schumer, Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, Gray Davis, Dennis "the Commie" Kucinich, Barney Frank, and Arlen Spector into office. The nuts are in charge of the asylum, so to speak.

Compared to today, the deal the founders had under King George III of England was pretty good, because they enjoyed more individual liberty and were less taxed than we are.

[Aliska]

I think the founders would be dumbfounded.

[jammer]

My take? I think they would regret not placing the 10th Amendment as #1 and in not defining "interstate commerce" in terms a 10 year old could understand, so that OW Holmes couldn't bastardize it. They might have wanted to do something about the gradual emancipation of slaves. In addition to being the right thing to do, the aftermath of THAT war was disastrous in many ways.

[ThinkDifferent]

Would They Regret the American Revolution?

They'd probably start another one.

[Hinoki Cypress]

The Founding Fathers would be dumbfounded. Bada-bing, bada-boom!

[Fred Mertz]

The founding fathers would be for secession and if that didn't work, a second revolution.

[m1911]

They might take the whole second revolution back, and let the Articles of Confederation stand. Or not. They were an odd mix of hard-nosed practical and blue-sky dreamer.

[rdb3]

Compared to today, the deal the founders had under King George III of England was pretty good, because they enjoyed more individual liberty and were less taxed than we are.

B.S.! That's a lie from the pit of hell and you know it.

More personal liberty then as compared to now? Puh-leeze!

[F16Fighter]

"The founding fathers would be for secession and if that didn't work, a second revolution."

Hear, Hear!

[F16Fighter]

LOL -- funny tagline!

[OREALLY]

What is the name of the history book you read ? I would like to read it...

[jammer]

Hmmm. Good points. But that mixture was still the greatest assemblage of minds in history. I think. Not to get off track, but were they that ingenious? Or were they instruments of the Creator? Or both? I'm inclined to believe the first, but am so astonished, even after 54 years, at the works of Bach and Beethoven that I KNOW that they heard extra-human sounds. That augers for a Creator, who could have inspired the Founders.

Sorry to get off on these probably boring and insipid musings.

[Malsua]

I believe they would be dumfounded by the Federal Reserve and the Taxation levied on average Americans.

-Mal

[jammer]

Sorry. I agree with ComtedeMaistre with respect to political freedom.

[rdb3]

Sorry. I agree with ComtedeMaistre with respect to political freedom.

We're arguing apples and oranges, jammer (for the most part). The originator of the thread specifically said "individual freedom."

What a crock!

[DPB101]

More personal liberty then as compared to now? Puh-leeze!

Some forget that while the Federal government didn't mess much with individuals 200 years ago, the states did.

[TheDon]

I think the Founders would be amazed that the Constitution is still in service, considering how very different our world is from theirs. I think they would be pleased that our Nation has become the most advanced and powerful in the world. The great experiment they gave birth to, with their blood, sweat and tears, has, no doubt, exceeded their wildest dreams.

[Fred Mertz]

Please name a federal building you can smoke a cigar or cigarette in?

[rdb3]

Please name a federal building you can smoke a cigar or cigarette in?

Like I'm talking about something as miniscule as smoking in a particular building. What I'm speaking of in no way relates to tobacco. Well, scratch that. Maybe it does, but it's not about smoking it and where it is smoked.

Open your eyes wider. Maybe then you'll relate.

[Graewoulf]

Food for thought, as we prepare to wrap ourselves in the Flag on July fourth.