Invoking the Fathers: Dangerous Metaphors and Founding Myths in Congressional Politics

Why is the metaphor of the "Founding Fathers" so insidious—and how does it impact American politics?

American politicians routinely invoke the metaphor of the "Founding Fathers" when referring to the men who supposedly set the United States on a path to greatness. On average, the term "Founding Fathers" is uttered by a congressional member every single day that Congress is in session. Why is this metaphor repeated constantly—and what effect does it have on policy? In Invoking the Fathers, co...