I think that one point being missed is that the Framers were children of pioneers who braved the terrible hazards of a wilderness with only the things they could carry and with no back up. These people were not far from having to fight for their lives every day. The Frontier was just a horseback ride away, and there were hostile tribes within close proximity.
Every house held a gun, and even farmers had to know how to fight. They fought for their livelyhoods daily. When the King became a problem, well it was just another fight.
Remember, the Pilgrims were hazarding everything for a philosophical ideal. They were people of principle who were all alone in a hostile world.
Now, Americans are wealthy, fat, indolent,(don't even vote) and lazy. They don't even educate their own children, but leave that to the State. Principles are a long second to the pocket book. As long as it doesn't cost them anything it is OK to leave criminals in office. Whatever you can get away with is OK.
The only thing that will get fat, lazy people stirred up enough to take action is personal privation.
Enough rant, Sorry.
