I’m very willing to recognize the difference between political ideals and the practical realities of governing. More than willing, in fact — enthusiastic. I think a lot of American politics has been wrecked by rigid idealism, a focus on politics instead of governance.

That said, the point here is that we cannot claim to be a nation founded on liberty, freedom, and equality when the reality is that, to get our founding documents approved, we had to subordinate those values to pursuit of profit. We are a nation founded on commerce…and also liberty when it’s not too inconvenient or expensive.