I wonder...

The history teacher in me loves reflecting about the founding of our country during this fabulous summer holiday...the American Revolution was my favorite time period of American history to teach.  While most teachers would spend about 3-4 days on it, I usually spent a good week-8 days.  I mean, what other time period of our country's history was a blank slate, decisions, and opportunities in front of our framer's?  The history teacher in me also likes to remind any students out there of another very important happening on July 4th...except this happened 50 years after the signing of our Independence from Great Britain.

Two great men, John Adams & Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4th, 1826.  Both men had political careers at the same time and actually had very different ideas of how government should be created and run.  Yet when their last breathe was breathed, both had reconciled and had a deep respect for each other. 

I wonder...

what both of these early leader's think of our country today?

what would they be proud of?

ashamed of?

what would they think of what being a "politician" means today?

Most of all, I wonder if their ideology of separation of powers is what they pictured it be in the 1770's?  Is this the country the dreamed of?

Happy Fourth of July!