We have – today – an almost scriptural reverence for the founding document of the United States government, the Constitution. To listen to most conservatives speak of the Framers is almost like going to church. They were, it seems, infallible. In fact, at least one painting in our own Capitol building portrays one Framer as being apotheosized.
But this week in 1787, the true feelings were more than a bit different. As the Convention was reached its final days, some of the rancor was in danger of boiling over into loud arguments.
On the final day, the President of the Convention at last broke his long silence and allowed for one last discussion to be decided. Even that was less about magnanimity and more about political opportunity.
As the final act, the oldest man at the convention, Benjamin Franklin rose to speak. He had planned to have his remarks read by others. But this moment was far too important for surrogates.
This was a moment to witness the rising sun…

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