Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Founders With A Small F

As I've said before (but I'll say it again), there's a reason why history has recognized the contributions of General George Washington over those of, say, Joseph Plumb Martin. It's not because Washington put his breeches on a different way than Martin or that Washington walked on water. It's that George Washington was the leader of the American Continental Army and his decisions and his perserverence made a greater impact in the war than any other INDIVIDUAL.

Certainly, if you add all the Martins together, then COLLECTIVELY - the masses made a greater impact than Washington as an individual. But that kind of math works both ways. All the Founding Fathers (with a big 'F') made a greater impact combined than an individual Son of Liberty member in Boston. Such math doesn't accomplish anything.

I applaud Raphael for bringing out the contributions of the common man. I know you don't believe me when I say that, no matter how often I say that.

What I dislike is the DIMINISHING and the ridicule of the contributions made by the Founders (big 'F'). And, yes, Zinn in particular has been known to cast ridicule. Can't really say that as much about Raphael, except he's an admitted disciple of Zinn.

BOTTOM LINE...the leaders of the founding generation were leaders (by and large) because the PEOPLE - the masses that you, Zinn, and Raphael praise - ELEVATED those men to be leaders! Doubt me? Why did the common people practically WORSHIP the ground George Washington walked on? And if Raphael isn't acknowledging this, then he's being EXTREMELY selective about who he quotes from the common people. Bottom line...there wasn't the GAP in ideology, perspective, passion, etc. between the Founders (big F) and the founders (small f) that you, Zinn, and Raphael would have us believe.