Several myths have been discussed with regards to the founding father’s perspective to the United States of America as a nation. Some of the common myths known are: the founding fathers wanted a secular nation thus, in order to achieve this, the state had to separate itself from religion. They solidly supported the radical combat, which was between the British soldiers and the American patriots. They were isolationists whereby they ensured the nation does not sign any treaties that will either compromise their freedom or bind them forever as a country. The founding fathers were above the political partisans. Therefore, the needs of the country were given the priority as opposed to the party politics; they believed the constitution would “grow” hence, strategies have been put in place to guide the future generation on the procedure to be followed. Out of the five myths outlined, four of them have a positive impact on the society years after the founding fathers had their way with the decisions they came up with.
Washington was deemed as the nation’s patriarch. This is because he placed the country ahead of his own. The strength of character, as opposed to his intellectual capability, spearheaded his accession into the political world.
Through history we are able to gather several facts about George Washington as a founding father; he was born in the year 1731, 11th February when the Julian calendar was being used. However, after it was amended and the Gregorian calendar adopted, his date of birth pushed forward by over a year. The date was changed to February 22nd, 1732. Unlike what the majority of the citizens would have thought of him, he gave the shortest speech ever during his inauguration ceremony. The speech comprised of only 133 words thus breaking the world’s shortest speech inauguration record in 1793, March 4th. It is shocking as he was a party lover thus, expected to have, the longer speech than the one he had since George had many people to be appreciative of his success. William Henry Harrison delivered the longest speech on March 4th, 1841. The speech comprised of 8,443 wordings. Unfortunately, William passed on due to the severe cold conditions experienced in the region. Moreover, an interesting fact is among all the founding fathers, and he was the only one who was not learned.
As we learn from history, the last will of George William was to set the slaves free. The twist to the will was the liberation that would only be passed if his wife, Martha Cutis was deceased. The condition can be interpreted as him making sure the wife always had servants by her side. The most surprising event is the change that was documented in the wife’s will. When her will was read, she had altered her husbands’ wishes. Her final wishes were, the slave would not be set free as the husband had ordered. The reason or logic behind the change of heart can only be speculated upon since no one truly knows her reasons for restraining to grant the slaves freedom. Another case was his cunning way of avoiding handshakes. He took deliberate effort to avoid shaking hands with anyone, even his guests. During the presidential receptions, he would hold his sword in one hand and the hat in the other, thus avoiding any physical contact even for those that would make an effort to shake hands with him. Thus, developing a culture where the succeeding presidents would bow down to the leadership of Thomas Jefferson when it stopped with a handshake as the form greeting.
The founding fathers foresaw the need to alter the sections of the constitution later on in the future. According to Justice Oliver, the specifications of the Constitution are not mathematical formulations that do not change. Unlike arithmetic formulas, the constitution will require amendments as well as alteration so it can be in line with the existing society. Therefore, the notion of “living constitutionalism” was adapted as it changes to conform to the existing circumstances. When fresh insight discloses conflict between the constitution’s chief defense and the conventional legal criticism, entitled to independence must be adopted. As much as they believed it could be adjusted, in their minds, they did not regard the evolving documentation. George Washington declared that it was static till improved upon by a clear and dependable act of the whole people. Consequently, the amendment procedure was keenly stipulated to guide them at whatever time such a case arose.
When the view of the people was put into consideration, the Americans were able to pass a bill legalizing the same-sex marriage. The dissemination or revision of the constitutional influences in whichever precise mistaken clause, it shall be edited by an amendment in the manner which the charter delegates. They considered the founding fathers had set aside an approval that will make it possible. They believe the forefathers entrusted the generation freedom to ensure all the citizens were included in the constitution. Thus, peace and unity would prevail throughout all the concerned parties and states. However, no one should make any changes through force so that they may deprive another of their power, property or freedom. The bill allowing the marriage of homosexuals to be passed entrusted that the freedom of expression of transgender, gays, and lesbians was not withheld. The choice was given to them, whichever direction they intended their relationships to take in the nearing future. Through the legalization of the same-sex marriage, after various activist group had intervened, they could make their relationship status public without being condemned or judged harshly by the rest of societal members. Instead, they embraced and received support from friends and kindred.
It is in light of the above opinions that consideration on whether the myth should be upheld or not is made. The fabrication generated ages ago on the provisions of the evolving Constitution is of utmost importance, hence; need to uphold it for future generations to learn about it. The myth is in line with the country’s societal beliefs and customs. The culture of the nation is to liberate all its citizens as a majority would say “it is a free world, thus no one needs to interfere with the daily activities of another person”. By upholding their own beliefs and customs, neighbours and communities will be able to co-relate with each other amicably without stepping on anyone’s toes.
The myth serves the cultural purpose of upholding harmony. When the laws require to be updated, the officials are able to look at the guidelines that the perceived forefathers outlined when they allowed amendment of the bill to place. To ensure no alterations were made without the consent of the citizens, their views are sought after during through the ballot box during referendum or Senate seating. Also, personal entities could not be served instead the country’s necessities were given first-hand priority. For instance, when the bill on same-sex marriage was passed, the Senate observed the opinion poll of its citizens on the matter before a final decision could be made.
In conclusion, as much as the myths are fictional, they serve an important aspect of the United States of America heritage as a result; some of them need to be maintained.
Works Cited
Brookhiser, Richard. Founding father:Rediscovering George Washington. Free Press, 1997.
Washington’s Will: A Decision to Free His Slaves. 2016. Web. 21 April 2016. <http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/slavery/washingtons-1799-will/>.
Kellogg, Frederic R. "Holmes, Common Law Theory, and Judicial." The John Marshall Law Review (2003): 457-505.
