Most Bad A$$ Founding Father

Bad arse founding father deaths! Evidence we survive death: Thomas Jefferson at eighty-three years of age felt that he would not live through the summer of 1826, but he hoped to live through July 4th (the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence). Both he and John Adams died on July 4, 1826 after long and distinguished careers. They had earlier been friends, then political enemies, and by the end of their lives had maintained a steady correspondence. Adams’ last words were “Thomas Jefferson still survives” not knowing that Jefferson had expired earlier that day in Virginia. Jefferson‘s last words were: “Is it the Fourth? I resign my spirit to God, my daughter, and my country.” John Adams was visited by Jefferson's already disembodied spirit, and was there to help Adams pass over. They both believed in reincarnation and played with firecrackers every 4th, but their last.

webfoot wrote:

How dare you quote a founding father of the USA. It doesn't fit the Fox News and Sarah Palin characterization of what the founding fathers stand for (basically whatever Fox News and Sarah Palin think the founding fathers should stand for). My God, why did the conservatives stop using their brain (they used to be the smart party). This thread will be deleted in 3, 2, 1...

Thomas Jefferson wasn't a "conservative." He was a liberal in the true sense of the term.

True, he was a classical liberal. Unfortunately neither the "liberals" or "conservatives" of today hold to those ideals in the least. The current group closest to classical liberalism would be Libertarians or Ron/Rand Paul Republicans.

How could a major slave owner be considered liberal? Guessing he also wasn't in favor of gay marriage or abortion. I don't see him getting the Dem nomination for president these days.

the right wrote:

Thomas Jefferson wasn't a "conservative." He was a liberal in the true sense of the term.

cornbread wrote:

No, Thomas Edison invented electricity.

My vote goes to George Washington

Thomas Edison didnt invent anything.

Thomas Paine.

Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson get the runner up prize.

GW takes the win. I've read several biographies on GW and he was a revered warrior by all that came in contact with him espiecly the native Indians. Even before the revolutionary war when he was an officer for the British army he battled in the French and Indian war. The whole bullet proof myth arises from this time, he had horses shot out from under him and bullet pierced clothing.

A Duck wrote:

[quote]Betsy Ross Geller wrote:

I vote Ben Franklin.

The funny thing is, the list of virtues to live by that he is so known for...he failed to live by almost all of them.

Like what? He was hardworking, industrious, brilliant; a trusted and respected member of the community.

What, are you going to bring up that he got fat when he was old and flirted with French women and juxtapose that with some quotation cherry-picked from Poor Richard's Almanac? The first thing to remember about that is that that wasn't Ben Franklin, but rather Ben Franklin playing a character.

I agree that George Washington should be the winner.

Thomas Jefferson never served in the military and he cheated on his wife. Doesn't sound like a real man to me.

tony soprano wrote:

Thomas Paine.

Holy crap, yes! It took this long to get to him?

The question wasn't who contributed the most, or was the most effective leader, but who was most badass. Tom Paine, unquestionably: the biggest mensch on our side.

sioux me wrote:

I agree that George Washington should be the winner.

Thomas Jefferson never served in the military and he cheated on his wife. Doesn't sound like a real man to me.

All powerful men cheat on their wives, because they can. Powerful women cheat on their husbands, because they can. "Real man" status should not be dependent on how many people you killed, but on how hard you worked to make a better world. He helped to create THE most powerful constitution the world has ever seen.

George Washington was wily about setting stuff up right. A strong willed guy. Made some good decisions, kept his own council. A studly warrior as a young guy.

Thomas Jefferson was the true brilliant one.

Impossible to argue against Washington after seeing this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7iVsdRbhnc

I dispute the claim Jefferson cheated on his wife. She died rather young, and he never remarried. If you are referring to his relationship with Sally Hemmings, that happened after Matha Jefferson's death. Hemmings was just a child at that time.

sioux me wrote:

I agree that George Washington should be the winner.

Thomas Jefferson never served in the military and he cheated on his wife. Doesn't sound like a real man to me.

Hands down no contest Mitch Martin founding father of Lambda Epsilon Omega.

Well poor Tom Jefferson

He loved the little maid out back

Midnight creepin' out to the servant's shack

Kept a secret under the bed

Wrapped in a burlap sack

Badass.

I guess since Madison was a pipsqueak at 5'4" and he send up fleeing the White House when the British were burning it during his presidency, he can't count.

George Washington all the way

http://mybonnie.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/washington_crossing_the_delaware_by_emanuel_leutze_mma-nyc_1851.jpg

Washington is the man. War hero who held the whole thing together. Hamilton is #2, he was the brains behind Washington. Jefferson talked a good game, but you can't qualify as a bad ace if you didn't serve in the military.