Proof that the Founding Fathers were not Conservative

[ck4829]

lib·er·al·ism, n.- A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority.

Now, look at the 2nd Amendment, an Amendment the RW is always 'defending'.

If Liberals believe that humanity is good, then therefore Conservatives must believe humanity is bad. And, why should bad people have guns?

[imenja]

1. politically revolutionary, socially "conservative"

Leaving aside the obvious problem with using 20th century terms to refer to 18th century political thinkers, the Founding Fathers were revolutionary in the sense that they envisaged a new political and economic system, where monarchy and mercantilism would be replaced by a republic premised on economic liberalism (in the tradition of Adam Smith). They were, however, socially conservative. Most sought no changes in the basis of society, which was to be ruled by landowners, obviously male of European descent. They did not challenge slavery, class exploitation or patriarchy. The French and Haitian revolutions which emerged during the next twenty years would eventually propose far more radical changes in economy and society.