Patriot Pen Essay

Author's Note: In this writing piece I made my thesis clear about what I would tell the founding fathers. I also wrote this Patriot Pen Essay in letter format.

Dear Founding Fathers,

Have you ever wondered how this great nation of ours has progressed over the years since the founding of our country? Many things have changed over the years since you founded this great nation such as criminal laws, government debt, and voting laws. Yes, we have come a long way, and some of the changes that have occurred since your time have been for the better.  However, there may be some changes that will come as a surprise to you.

Back when you founded the United States in the early 1770s, there were very few laws at all except when it came to crime. Back in the days, when a citizen committed a crime, the consequence was simple. Their punishment consisted of being hanged, being shot to death, or being crushed by stones. Today, the judicial branch of our government has various laws that allow criminals the right to a fair trial, which determines their punishment. This change has resulted in overcrowded prisons, which is a comfortable life for many of these prisoners. Also, the need for prisons costs our government billions of dollars a year.  

In addition, since you founded this great country, the Federal Reserve has devalued the US dollar by 95% since the year 1913. As a result of that, the US has built up a national debt. Today, our government has compiled this debt, and it is rapidly approaching 14 trillion dollars! Unless the government stops spending, the number could increase to 18.3 trillion dollars by the year 2021. Can you believe it?

On a happier note, voting laws have changed significantly over the years. Mr. Washington when you ran for president in the year 1789, only white men with property could vote. Everyone else including poor people, women, Native Americans, and enslaved African Americans were not allowed to vote. It wasn't until after the 1920's that everyone in the United States, if you were over 18 and a citizen, had gained the right to vote. It was really a change for the better.

Although some of the changes that have taken place over the years may have come as a surprise to you, I want you to know that I am grateful for this magnificent country you started and the ideas you established that we could build from.  I am proud of our nation and proud to be a citizen of the United States of America.

Sincerely,

Kaitie Scanlan