The Founding Fathers were far smarter than ‘leaders’ today. That is clear from a casual reading of their writings and their fabulous success culturally and economically in launching the nation.
They held one another to a high moral standard and devoted their lives (including wealth) to seeing the Constitution implemented and America become a world leader. They were students of world government systems and of the philosophies leading to those governments (monarchs, republics, socialist utopias).
They had strong convictions, were rugged men, and they could explain what they believed and the philosophical streams from which their values were formed. They received a Bible-based rigorous education primarily at home from parents and others arriving from Europe. The depth of learning and level of literacy in America was much higher then than today.
The Founders saw government service as a calling and a ‘divine science.’ It was a life’s work that they planned for. They intellectually prepared to one day serve their fellow man and country. They were convinced that unless an educated and informed population elected the brightest and most virtuous representatives the nation was doomed.
They understood Exodus 18:21—“But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” This was Moses’ father-in-law Jethro’s counsel as to how Moses should govern millions of Israelites that recently won their independence from Pharaoh.
Another favorite scripture of the Framers was Proverbs 29:2 – “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.”
The Founders had a Biblical perspective on human nature, that it was a mixture of good and evil. If people were to govern themselves and have the best possible government, then a political process should be developed where the wisest, most experienced and most virtuous could be found and elected to public office.
As James Madison wrote, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”
The Founders hoped to develop a spirit of public virtue by having leaders of private virtue. They wanted a “freemen aristocracy” or “natural aristocracy” which would be open to all but inheritable by none. Every leader would have to rise to his high office by personal merit, not by the wealth and reputation of his ancestors.
Thomas Jefferson and others had disdain for an “artificial or European aristocracy (ruling class).” These rulers obtained office because of wealth, their station in life and special influence brought to bear in their behalf.
Jefferson felt it the goal of the nation to use education and all other means to stimulate and encourage those citizens with a special talent for public service. The greatest national threat would be when the best refused the tedious, arduous and sometimes unpleasant task of serving. Sadly our current schools undermine our heritage and today teach students to hate America.
Samuel Adams and younger cousin John Adams sacrificed their fortunes to serve in politics. James Madison borrowed money at attend meetings to draft a Constitution. George Washington was called from retirement 3 times to again serve his country. Never did he take payment to lead the nation’s military in time of war or serve as President.
Benjamin Franklin and leaders of the day at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 felt it was an honor to serve and do so often at their own expense. The Founders worried that ambition, the love of power, and that avarice, the love of money would be too powerful unless politicians remained unpaid or minimally so.
Franklin warned that the high salaries for government offices are the best way to attract scoundrels and drive from the halls of public office those men who possess true merit and virtue.
The country today is the opposite of what the Founders hoped and planned for.
(Get Lou’s podcast at “No Hostages Radio” and his articles at nohostagesradio.com)
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