How the Founding Fathers Would View Modern America

Appalled by the Supreme Court's Decision on Presidential Immunity

The current state of the United States, with the recent Supreme Court decision, would likely astonish the Founding Fathers. The recent ruling granting the President absolute immunity has been met with criticism, as it fundamentally alters the balance of power envisioned by the Constitution. The Founding Fathers would be particularly shocked to see an executive with such unchecked power, hinting at monarchy rather than the democratic ideals they fought for. SCOTUS effectively made POTUS a King!

The Electoral College: A Mistake?

If the Founding Fathers were to return, they would likely lean against the continued use of the Electoral College. Their primary aim was to ensure a functioning and representative democracy, with mechanisms in place to prevent potential abuses. Considering the Electoral College's flaws and impacts on voting outcomes, they would likely view it as a major flaw in the system, a huge mistake in their estimation.

A Celebration of Nature and Innovation: A Contradiction in Terms?

On a more personal note, as I recount my recent drive back from witnessing a total solar eclipse, the experience brings to mind the Founding Fathers' impressions of the lands they helped to shape. One can imagine George Washington appreciating the breathtaking conditions of Interstate 40 and Route 40 threading the ancient mountains he had personally surveyed. The vast expanses of natural beauty that the Founding Fathers admired are now permeated with human innovation and engineering. The lay of the land itself is a testament to nature's and man's ingenuity.

Reflections on the Land

Washington himself carved his initials into one of the world’s most stunning natural arches, highlighting his deep connection with the land. He knew the mountains intimately, understanding the criss-cross patterns of rivers and the way hollers and ridges ran through them. Today, technology and engineering have drastically changed travel and landscape. The 80 mph speeds on these roads would have been unimaginable to Washington, let alone modern airplanes. Yet, the natural features of the land remain.

A Balancing Act

While the Founding Fathers would likely marvel at the progress and infrastructure that has evolved over the centuries, they would also see a stark contrast with the original natural landscape. Washington would be awed by our bridges, hundreds of them crossing rivers that once claimed lives with regularity. However, they would likely be alarmed by the extent to which we have reshaped the land for our convenience. The practice of cutting through mountains and tunneling through them has indeed transformed the landscape.

Conclusion

In sum, the Founding Fathers would likely be both impressed and dismayed by the state of modern America. They would cheer for the advancements that have made our lives easier and more efficient but would likely view some of these advancements as a departure from the nature-centric ideology they held dear. The challenge for modern America lies in maintaining a balance between progress and respect for the natural world that surrounds us.

Keywords: founding fathers, United States, modern America