[marktwain]

The founders never envisioned a political class of parasites and perhaps this was the fly in the ointment in what is otherwise a great form of government.

That, they envisioned.

They did not envision the rise of an ideology that would take over and control nearly all the information flow for a nation.

They understood the danger of a government that controlled the media. They did not foresee a media that would control the government.

[litehaus]

“apoplexy over Trump”

My money says 90% of Kalifornicate voting dems DO NOT KNOW THE WORD - apoplexy !

[semantic]

Both of your posts reveal a certain level of naivete. The founders were leading thinkers of the enlightenment. They were among the smartest, most educated and experienced men of their age.

A robust curriculum in history, philosophy, language (to be able to read original documents in both Greek and Latin, and French to converse) and other subjects related to human governance were absolutely de rigueur among their class.

If you think what is occurring today is in any way unique or was unknown to them, I have a bridge to sell you. They didn't need to anticipate technology altering the function of a free & independent press. Any student of history would well know that for 1,000s of years, oppressive regimes conducted extensive spy operations and information flow control regardless of technology.

Our founding documents were established to manage MEN. Human nature never changes, only the ability & manner by which its impulses are exercised. For some reason, a contingent of posters @ FR seem to be lost in the miasma that what is occurring today is somehow unique, terrible or unprecedented.

It is not - every generation has to face the same demons, whether they be external or internal. What is actually required is that we do something about it ie freedom isn't free. Patriots spoke with Trump's election, and the second major battle is to be joined in November. At some point, the tide will turn, and liberty will emerge victorious.