#EM2019 – CC Question – Founding Fathers

This is a very tough question! I have studied the founders and the Constitution quite a bit and they have all impacted me and inspired me in numerous ways. If forced to narrow it down to one, I would probably have to say George Washington. Washington was an inspiration in so many ways. He was a great man who truly loved his country, and sacrificed so much for it. I am struck by the words spoken by King George III of England about Washington. King George asked Benjamin West what Washington would do after winning independence. West replied, “They say he will return to his farm.” The king replied with, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.” George Washington could have been the King of America. Yet, he refused the throne and even chastised some (such as Alexander Hamilton) for even suggesting it. After watching the federal government struggle under the Articles of Confederation, Washington also answered the call of duty again, to create the US Constitution, and to serve as the first president of the United States (an important precedent-setting role). He did this despite wanting nothing more than to retire to his farm. My favorite (though possibly apocryphal) Washington quote is: “Government is not reason; it is not eloquence,—it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant, and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.” I also have to mention Patrick Henry, who I love and admire as well. Liberty flowed through his veins, much like I feel it does mine. His quote, “Give me liberty or give me death” speech was amazing and inspirational. He treated government like the fire that that Washington suggested it is. He would err on the side of too much liberty, as do I. Lastly Thomas Jefferson needs a mention. His ruthless rationality and skeptical mind made him an outstanding enlightenment thinker. His words have greatly inspired me as well.

Alexander Hamilton is the founding father that has most influenced my political philosophy. He has been described as pragmatic and promoted “taking a balanced and objective approach”. Some of his greatest accomplishments were financial. He funded the federal debt from the Revolutionary war, created the First Bank of the United States, and supported commercial and industrial development. In the Federalist Papers, Hamilton wrote, “Happy will it be if our choice should be directed by a judicious estimate of our true interests, unperplexed and unbiased by considerations not connected with the public good.” I am also very pragmatic and balanced. I can usually see merit on both sides of an argument and work hard to find a solution that will be fair and benefit all. I believe that financial stability is paramount and that all our decisions should be based on what will contribute most to the public good.

To be honest I am not one to delve into political philosophy. I use good common sense, listen to what the people are saying, act with integrity and honesty (even when it’s not popular) and try to treat people fairly. I think that was the intent of the Constitution of the United States of America. They wanted to be free from overreach, oppression, burdensome taxes and tariffs. They wanted to just build a house and live in peace and harmony. I think we want the same here.

Thomas Jefferson. His strong fiscal positions and stances on individual freedom have been a guiding influence on me. Some of his quotes that illustrate why I revere him are: Small government and fiscal responsibility – “I am for a government rigorously frugal & simple, applying all the possible savings of the public revenue to the discharge of the national debt; and not for a multiplication of officers & salaries merely to make partisans, & for increasing, by every device, the public debt, on the principle of it’s being a public blessing.” Pragmatically working to achieve goals – “The ground of liberty is to be gained by inches, that we must be contented to secure what we can get from time to time, and eternally press forward for what is yet to get”. Importance of having rural areas – “I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural; and this will be as long as there shall be vacant lands in any part of America. When they get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, they will become corrupt as in Europe.” Being able to disagree and advocate for your principles with civility – “I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” Those are a few, I also very much respect Washington and his concern of the two-party system, which has certainly created difficultly for our country.

I would have to say all of them. They stood up for what they felt was right. They we’re brave, honest, hard working people, with the best interest of those around them at heart. I would like to emulate those qualities. I strive to be honest, hard working, with the interest of our city, state, and country as my focus.

I have a great respect for the founding fathers and all they have done to establish our country’s foundations. There are a handful of founding fathers that command a lot of respect and admiration from me. Alexander Hamilton was passionate about what he believed in and worked tirelessly to accomplish his vision. Thomas Jefferson was brilliant and was able to achieve much through his vision and by working with others. Benjamin Franklin is admirable for his influence and mind. My favorite founding father is George Washington. Washington showed composure and control in a time that our country could have easily fallen apart. While the politicians were working through the theoretical and social issues of the time Washington was tasked with keeping the morale of a fighting public up long enough for the strategies come to fruit. Washington was elected president and set the tone for all those to come after. He led the country in one of its most fragile times and was able to do it with dignity. One of my favorite quotes from Washington is: “It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn.” I think this quote sums up how mindful anyone should be when considering legislation, policy, and the example we set.

Thomas Jefferson is my favorite Founding Father. His bravery in the face of a power structure that sought to take away the liberty of the people before and after American Independence is an example for us all. I hope we can all remember his wise words, “Educate and inform the whole mass of the people, …They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” Thomas Jefferson, letter to Uriah Forrest, 31 Dec 1787

Thomas Jefferson has always been my favorite. Not only for his role in writing the Declaration of Independence, but for his work to establish a limited federal government by transferring power to state and local governments. One of my favorite Jefferson quotes is: “Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing.” He was later credited with saying “Do you want to know who you are? . . . Action will delineate and define you.”