.... of every citizen to question the attribution of quotes to founding fathers on the internet.

I first heard that quote in the 1960's from Timothy Leary. When I was talking about it with my cousin, who was then a history professor, she told me that Leary stole it from Benjamin Franklin.

I have heard it attributed to Socrates as well as to Franklin. If you have evidence one way or the other, fine.

I advocate questioning authority, but I really don't care who actually first said this.

and deplore the 'nanny' state, and are horrified with safety regulations and standards; are mini-megalomaniacs themselves.

Rulers and followers. In times of stress, the public starts to feel the need for "strong leadership." Typically, though, that leads to the Hitlers and Mussolinis of the world. Basically anybody with a strong message directed against the "bad guys" whoever they define that to be, the scapegoat of choice.

Dangerous times. We have done far more damage to ourselves since 9/11 than have been done by the terrorists, by far.

... humans were created with a serious design flaw: a tendency to bend at the knee.

-- Mal

The authoritarianism of organized religion
The authoritarianism of patriarchy
The authoritarianism of white supremacy
The authoritarianism of the wealthy and powerful over the poor and powerless...

Seems subjective. In my opinion, most Americans are authoritarian, including many of my fellow liberals.

That's what I get for DUing while I watch Gotham on Netflix. Sorry.