Thomas Jefferson was a genius. But he couldn’t use a cellphone | Opinion

Thomas Jefferson was a political philosopher, a statesman and the third president of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. But he is best known as the drafter of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Among the Founding Fathers, Jefferson stood alone in his ability to articulate the American dream.

Suppose a space-warping time travel machine brought Jefferson to our time. Might not he offer sage advice about our contentious issues? God no! We are talking about a man who couldn’t dial 911 if his life depended upon it.

Likely no person understood 18th century society better than Jefferson — but what would he know about today’s America? How important are the 250 years he has missed?

Nevertheless, a visit by Tom would be a national treasure. He could answer important questions about our nation’s history — and I can imagine “TJ’s History” setting TikTok records.

But no talk shows and only carefully scripted interviews. No questions about transgender people’s rights, internet regulations, artificial intelligence, cellphone taps and paying college athletes. And shhh — don’t even mention that we have a national debt.

On these topics, dear Tom would falter badly — a deer in headlights, Joe Biden during 2024’s presidential debate No. 1.

I pose this time travel nonsense to illustrate the importance of context and the impossibility of finding answers to today’s problems in the minds of our founders. They left us words, beautiful words.

And words must be enough. Read them in today’s context. Make the U.S. Constitution a living document, and it will breathe new life into this country.

Ken Kramme has been a Kansas City area educator since 1970.