If Benjamin Franklin were alive today, what would his words be to America? Most notably, he would disapprove of the growth of government and the loss of individual liberties.
That’s the same as many founders’ views on modern America, if they were alive to see and comment today.
But Franklin, unlike some of the founders, would approve of much of America’s reach-out to foreign governments.
So says Mark Skousen, an eight-generation descendant of Franklin who wrote a book, “The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, History’s Most Versatile Genius.”
It was Franklin who was perhaps the most forward-thinking and progressive of his fellow founders, Skousen said.
“He defended women’s rights,” he said. “He was opposed to slavery. He was a big fan of technology and modern inventions. But he’d also be appalled by the size and scope of government, the national debt, the bureaucratic regulations … that would stifle American ingenuity. … He would be opposed to some of the things government does today that restrains economic freedom.”
Still, he wouldn’t mind what many conservatives point to as the enemy of freedom: that is, globalism.
“He said, the system of America is commerce with all and war with none,” Skousen said. “He saw America as a leader in the world. Franklin was a very strong believer in nation building, if you will, and reaching out through commerce … and trade to improve relations.”
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