The indespensable man: George Washington
Washington hands down. A giant among giants.
Remember when Mika Brzezinski, one of those from the line up of really super-duper smart MSNBC hosts had a chuckle at Sarah's answer On Morning Joe? "Wow !", she exclaimed and then added that Lincoln was her favorite Founding Father.
George Washington
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, Give me Liberty, or give me Death!"
His words were at first declared treason, but as the colonists thought them over, they knew those words rang true.
"If this be treason, make the most of it!"
Also, Henry was a great Anti-Federalist, and reading his words today certainly enlightened me on the dangers of big government.
George Washington is my favorite even though I enjoy reading the thoughts of many of them. The reason I went with George is the simple fact that he did not set himself up as El Presidente for life which made all the difference. Judging from the history of many revolutions since, that is rare. I look at countries like Zimbabwe and about get on my knees to thank God for George Washington. I think I just might do that tonight.
Jefferson, but with Franklin a close second.
George Washington.
Without him, we would not have won the Revolutionary war. His amazing leadership skills kept the forces together and when the continental congress didn’t pay the troops, he did.
After the war, many people suggested he become a king, he would not accept that. In fact, by George Washington refusing to become a king, King George III said, “If that is true then he will be the greatest man in the world”.
What a great thread! I’m torn between Washington and Ben Franklin, but Jefferson is high among our founding fathers.
It was a group of very talented leaders. I will vote for James Madison.
George Washington
If I had to pick, I think Washington would have to be at the top and perhaps tied with a few others for different reasons. But, Washington was in the trenches during the war, and then continued to nobly serve (without wanting to be a true noble) as president. He earned the respect of his contemporaries on many fronts. He was indispensable in terms of public and military morale, in my estimation. And that can often make all the difference in outcomes of events. He was a leader.
But then, how can Jefferson, Franklin and others be dismissed? They can't. That period of time was sprinkled with true geniuses and patriots. Together, they gave us this beautiful country that we so often take for granted.
Ben Franklin...
If you ever want to know where conservative talk radio gets many of their good lines, then just read great quotes by Ben Franklin. The guy was very intelligent, a successful businessman and loved to have fun. No doubt I could have a beer and great conversation with him.
Thomas Paine.
There were so many brave men, true leaders. It is difficult to choose. For me, it would be Washington -- because without him, our Republic would have evolved differently. He was a great Warrior and a humble leader.
Second, would be Jefferson - a genius among men. He was instrumental in shaping our young Republic.
“A government that governs least, governs best.”-Jefferson gets my vote.
Thomas Paine
George Washington, by leaps and bounds.
#2 Jefferson
#3 Madison
I hate Hamilton. For all the good he did, he was the father of Big Government and planted the seeds of what we have today. Yes, the communists really are the ones who are pushing us toward socialism, but Hamilton threw the door wide open with his insistence on central government power.
You are a fan of Hamilton so maybe you can explain why I am wrong, but based on what I know of the man, I can’s stand Hamilton further than I can spit. He loved big government and worse, he TRUSTED it, rather than the people.
I didn’t bother to elaborate on why Washington is my favorite founder. I think his accomplishments and character are obvious, so just pick all the usual things, and that’s why.
What I most respect him for is for stepping down as US president after 2 terms when he could have accepted offers to be King for life. He had a full understanding of what a true American should be. God gave us Washington and I don’t think we would become an independent nation without him. I don’t think there is another founder you can say that about.
James Madison. Mr. Second Amendment. Credit his wife Dolly for saving the original copies of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution out of The White House ahead of being burnt by the British in August of 1814.