What would our forefathers think?

[The Buddha]

Do you think if George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and the like were alive today, they would be happy with what they see? We are still the textbook capitalist nation, even if we are no longer as Laissez-Faire about it as we once were. Our freedoms have taken a hit it seems... would this bother them?

Do you think they'd want things to stay the same as they were? Or would their beliefs on what is important and how things should be done be in line with the politicians of today (possibly even Democrats)?

I just want to know what you think. They helped create a VERY successful nation... one that has for the most part fulfilled their desires. Do you think they would be proud of creating something that has so far stood the test of time, or would they not feel this is good enough?

[Direckshun]

I'd say they'd be pleased. We have people out there that will argue that the founding fathers followed this ideology or that ideology.

But the founding fathers, more than anything, created a country. And it is now a 50-state country that is the most physically powerful, the most innovative, the most scientifically advanced, that has never split, and only once engaged in a war that could have destroyed it, but thankfully the people elected a capable politician (Lincoln) to lead the fight. Just now, loooong after their deaths, we just had a peaceful transfer of power.

Now, I doubt they'd like much about the credit crisis or the wars overseas, but those are distant concerns to ensuring their baby is still in tact.

[Ultra Peanut]

"What the fuck is a car?"

Followed by, "My goodness! When did the negroes overthrow the government?"

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[HMc]

"George I f*cken told you Benoit was gonna lose it"

"Yeah yeah I know you did, I'm just happy Carl resigned. they better pick sanchez"

[BigRedChief]

see my signature.

[Ultra Peanut]

Thomas Jefferson, stone-cold socialist.

also this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx07A9LWBJA)

[penchief]

BDo you think if George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and the like were alive today, they would be happy with what they see? We are still the textbook capitalist nation, even if we are no longer as Laissez-Faire about it as we once were.

Benjamin Franklin, the most entrepreneurial and ingenious individual of that time, believed strongly in the common good and the public welfare. So much so that he gave away his inventions for the good of humankind rather than profiting from them. His contributions to a developing society and his influence on the birth of this nation exemplify the ideals of public service and community.

Of course he would be concerned by the erosion of our civil liberties. But that doesn't mean that Laissez-Faire capitalism by itself equates to liberty and justice for all. In fact, history would argue that the opposite has at times been true.

[Simplex3]

But the founding fathers, more than anything, created a country.

No, they created a union of 13 countries and we've perverted the hell out of it.

[HonestChieffan]

Many would say I told you so. Letting non taxpayers vote or non property owners vote was a major battle.

[Iowanian]

They'd tell me to go get another thousand rounds of ammo.

[HonestChieffan]

They'd tell me to go get another thousand rounds of ammo.

Get 2-300 extras Just in case.

[Jenson71]

I think they would overall be pleased, but I think they would also see our foreign interventionism as a great concern.