Some people might choose Jefferson for his political genius. Others might choose John Adams because he was the one Founding Father who was staunchly anti-slavery. Adams was strongly supportive of the principles our justice system is founded upon, such as the right to counsel for all defendants. He even represented the British soldiers convicted in the Boston Massacre. Perhaps he is my second favorite.
Some may choose Hamilton because of his brilliance and ambition. Hamilton was the creator of our financial system. He is probably the one most young folks identify with. And I was invited to go see the play. I will check it out soon.
Well, my favorite is George Washington.
Because he was easily the greatest military mind during the Revolutionary war. He had grace and humility. He was American's first real live action hero. He was always rode up to the front and was visible in battle so he could motivate his troops. And he could have ruled the United States as King. But he was too principled. He wanted to create a governmental structure where different voices could be heard. He preached tolerance and that people should be able to listen to different points of view. He loved those ideals so much, that though he could have stayed in power as President, he left office in a move that confounded King George of Britain. Why would he give up power?
The thing is Washington had a wealthy background. So for all you weirdos who think I hate rich folks, let me explain this to you.
George Washington came from a wealthy family, that had slaves, land, etc. But he didn't carry himself like he was more deserving or like he was royalty among other American citizens. He is like some of the people in my life who are exceedingly rich and who always have been rich. But they are good people. They are approachable. The funny thing is the ones who are jerks are the ones who come from nothing. They are high-maintenance, they are always trying to prove how much money they have, they are usually braggarts, and thin-skinned demanding fealty from their employees.
But back to Washington. He became President by unanimous vote and easily could have consolidated power. But he worked to install a balanced government with the executive, legislative and judicial branches all equal to each other. The institutions that the nation would run on long after he died were his most important legacy. Because without the precedent he set running the country as President we would not have them.
I am not saying the Founding Fathers were without faults. I can create ten takes on what they did wrong and what they screwed up. They were all hypocritical in my opinion when it came to their shallow notions of freedom and liberty. But now here in 2018, we are all Americans. And these men created the nation that eventually evolved into one where I have the freedom to create this post.
So which one is your favorite or do you simply disqualify them all? And if you do have a favorite, do you have the diction to explain your choice?
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