Lately I have read several letters to the editor in different publications referencing our “founding fathers” and what a swell job they would have thought George W. Bush is doing. From the tone and content of the letters, it was obvious the authors are conservatives in support of the administration. I respect their right to an opinion, but as right-wingers, they should reconsider using our “founding fathers” as a reference.
Our “founding fathers” were a diverse group; they disagreed on many issues, but they all had one thing in common. They all took a huge gamble by calling for an armed revolt against the British Empire. They risked their lives and property on a vision of freedom and independence. But they were viewed by conservatives at the time as rebels and traitors to their king, a radical group that needed to be eradicated.
If you were a conservative, and you lived in 1776, you would have almost certainly been a Tory loyalist–loyal to the king, against the revolution and committed to thwarting rebel efforts. You would have aided and suckled British soldiers and conspired against our “founding fathers” whenever possible.
Fortunately for us all, the revolution was won, with no thanks or help from the loyalists.
If you consider yourself a staunch conservative, I respect your right to an opinion, but, please, spare me the “founding fathers” references. In 1776, you would have despised our “founding fathers” and prayed for their demise.
