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Mike Lew's avatar

The Founders had direct experience of being governed by a king. 45's behavior wouldn't surprise them in the least. On a related note, George Mason sure nailed the dangers of pardons. I think the real problem with the Founders' vision was not being able to imagine how cowardly and craven Congress would become. It never occurred to them that a Senator would just give away his (and it was just "his" for the Founders) power and privilege.

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mel ladi's avatar

Heh. I’m even old enough to appreciate James Mason in his very latter years. His heyday was in the 40s.

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Global liberal democracy stan's avatar

You made me giggle. While reading the passage about what George Mason and James Madison each wrote, in my mind’s ear, I heard it being read out loud in the very distinct voice of the great actor James Mason, who I enjoyed in so many movies from the golden age of film. I had no idea someone else was thinking about James Mason too. I guess you have to a fan of old movies and/or perhaps a bit long in the tooth (as I am) to make the mental leap in that direction!

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E2's avatar

George Mason - in dispute with James Madison.

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Mike Lew's avatar

Shows you where my brain was, thanks for catching it! Comment edited to change "James Mason" to "George Mason."

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