Would the Founding Fathers think America is being run the right way?

Answer 1

Since we cannot actually think for the Founding Fathers, we can probably interpret what they would think through the majority of events. Considering the socioeconomical and political devastation in America, I'm pretty sure the Founding Fathers would dislike the current situation. America was founded on the basis of life, liberty, and freedom. Modern America is comprised of racial indifference, labels, and overall inequality. Quite a disgusting shift from the initial plan.

AnswerWhile I agree that modern America does have problems with the things listed above, I have to argue that the large majority of Americans have more freedom than at the time of the founding. When Jefferson spoke of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" he meant the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for white, landed, 21 year old males. Throughout the history of the United States, our idea of who these ideals apply to. First, in the Jacksonian era, the common man was uplifted. Then, with the Civil War, the 13th-15th Amendments, and the Civil Rights Movement, people fought for and eventually won their liberty. Meanwhile, women fought for their idependence and right to vote and finally gained it in the 1920s with the 19th Amendment. Now, 18 year olds, are able to participate in the government that many of them fight and die for. However, we aren't there yet. The 2nd paragraph of the Decleration of Independence tells us who we want to be, it is the goal. But it is and never has been a reality. I think that Langston Hughs says it best in his poem "Let America Be America Again" when he says "Let America be America again, the land that never has been yet."