eli_sennesh comments on On saving the world - Less Wrong

101 Post author: So8res 30 January 2014 08:00PM

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Comment author: Nornagest 31 January 2014 10:37:00PM *  1 point [-]

My reading suggests that the main disagreements among the framers of the US Constitution (the "Founding Fathers" phrase is a bit too hagiographic for my taste) had to do with regional rivalry and the degree of centralization of power -- concerns which I wouldn't call modern as such, but could fairly be described as perennial. (Compare the modern urban vs. rural distinction, which drives most of the red vs. blue state divide.) Slavery factored into this, but mainly as a factor informing regional differences -- it wouldn't reach its ultimate apocalyptic nation-breaking significance until westward expansion had started in earnest and the abolition movement gained some steam. I'm unaware of any significant disputes over industrialization in early US politics.

Comment author: [deleted] 31 January 2014 10:45:41PM 1 point [-]

You may know your American history better than I, but I do remember some nascent concerns over whether industry and finance could gain too much power versus the agricultural sector.

It's entirely possible I'm just wrong, though.

Comment author: Eugine_Nier 04 February 2014 04:22:28AM 0 points [-]

I believe Nornagest counted that under urban versus rural.

Comment author: Lumifer 04 February 2014 01:18:33AM 0 points [-]

but I do remember some nascent concerns over whether industry and finance could gain too much power versus the agricultural sector.

...Tolkien..? :-D