Joseph Ellis’s latest book American Dialogue THE FOUNDERS AND US is important and timely. His through examination of the philosophies of America’s Founding Fathers, particularly Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Madison and Hamilton provides a significant platform of thought and insight into America’s economic, environmental and constitutional crisis projected from the nation’s founding the present day.
America’s failure to confront slavery and the genocide of the Native American’s is an underlying theme that continues to challenge American democracy. Does our system of government continue to retreat from crushing issues of the day? Can a crisis of confidence in the American system of government continue to be averted by a collective closing of the eyes?
Then again, history delivers hope. Says Ellis, “ Much like meteors streaking across the horizon, demagogues tend to enjoy only limited life spans, so the Trump Presidency is likely to resemble the proverbial blip on the historical radar screen.”
A critical eye is cast on the founders and in so doing Ellis illuminates fundamentals as to why America is facing relatable critical issues in modern times.
Ellis is the author of the Pulitzer Prize winning Founding Brothers.