Open Forum: In their time, founding fathers were liberal – The Winchester Star

DONALD SEARS

In the 18th century, the founding fathers were blooming liberals, but by todays standards, theyd be considered misogynistic white nationalists.

The Constitution, as originally written, decreed that only white men, preferably land-owning Christians, would rule the country. That being said, one would hope that Washington, Jefferson and Madison would be as pleased with todays amended Constitution as they would be with a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Constitution, a compromise among disparate states, advanced liberalism to the full extent possible for the times. Understanding it was not perfect, the more progressive founding fathers included within their groundbreaking document the ability to amend it. Thus, the Constitution served as the nursery of democracy, providing the medium in which inclusiveness could take root. A nation not chained to immutable dogma was the founding fathers greatest gift to America.

Few should be surprised that 21st century conservatives are more attracted to autocracy (Trump) than to democracy. Americas 18th century conservatives were the Tories who sided with the British, and when they lost that battle, encouraged Washington to be Americas first king. Retaining slavery and excluding women were their main contributions to the Constitution, and no amendment extending rights beyond straight white males has ever had conservative support.

Since democracys will of the people has been instrumental in liberalizing America, and liberalism is the bane of conservatism, conservatives have come to the conclusion that fiat by a reactionary autocrat better serves their interests.

Donald Trump became the rights savior when he declared it was time for conservatives to take their country back. He further inflamed their passions when he promised to be conservatives retribution. He (only I can fix it) would reverse 200 years of conservative losses to minorities, women, non-Christians and the LGBTQ community. Trumps message was clear: White males, like him, had made America great, and if given unencumbered power, would Make America Great Again.

And, since democracy had allowed for the liberalization of America, democracy was the enemy. Americas free press, Americas justice system, Americas courts, Americas electoral system, Americas public schools and even the books Americans read had to be discredited so that 200 years of liberal progress would be erased, creating a vacuum, into which would flow conservative 18th century white male supremacy.

The only unanswered question is how far back Trump would take America. Despite their shortcomings, Washington peacefully transferred power, Jefferson wrote, All men are created equal, and Madisons Constitution was prefaced with We the People. Within those words and works were the seeds of Americas democracy. But Trump, aided by Steve Bannon, has promised to deconstruct the democracy America has become.

One can be sure Trumps narcissism will cause him to take us back to a time more amenable to his fractured psyche. Trumps glance to the heavens and his declaration that hes the chosen one suggests that only the recognition of the divine right of Trump would satiate his ego. And judging from conservatives adoration of him, they would rejoice at such an anointment.

Donald Sears is a resident of Frederick County. He is not related to Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.

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Open Forum: In their time, founding fathers were liberal - The Winchester Star