Mr. Mephisto,
I think we do this because we're metaphorical creatures. We tend to explain things through metaphor. Instead of lengthy explanations to get a point across, we quote our founding fathers to illustrate a point. I believe that what they established was one of the most fair forms of government to exist to this point. The problem is that our nation has evolved to the extent that our current form of government, in operation, would largely be unrecognizable to our founding fathers.
We tend to overlook their shortcomings because what they did in the establishment of our nation outweighs any personal foibles they possessed. The irony, I believe, is that not a single one of them would ever be successful in today's political climate where we insist that our political leaders be morally infallible in thought and deed.
Quoting them makes us feel as if our opinions have precedence, and therefore validity, regardless of actuality.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojo_PeiPei
Because they were wicked intelligent and their idea's gave birth to one of the most effective (in it's times, notice the problems as we have strayed and time has elapsed) and brilliant forms of government ever concieved. Also the influence they had on the world and how countries have modeled off their ideas. In short how they changed the name of the game of politics, government, liberty, etc... they are an authority.
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Some of them were pretty smart, I'll agree, but they were no more intelligent than anyone else of their caliber living today. The problem is that there is no one of their caliber alive today, simply because of the fact that we micro-critique our politicians to the point that none can live up to our artificial standards. What makes them so great is that they thoroughly thought through their plans in a meticulous fashion. There weren't focus groups and political advisors whispering into their ear back in 1789, throwing out poll numbers and risk assessments. They were free to work their political magic, so to speak, so we could benefit in later years.