Professor Claes Ryn discussed popular myths. #1. “US was a Fresh Start Country”. In fact, the US was a continuation of old British common law, classical education, Christian ethics, and British tradition. The break was over not being treated the same as homeland Brits. #2. ” US is a leading democracy”. The Founding Fathers wanted to avoid the tyranny of the democratic populist majority and preferred a republic  with aristocratic oversight. The Senators were appointed by the state legislatures up until 1913. The US Courts were not elected, and presidents were people of substance. #3. “American Exceptionalism”. President Wilson’s “War to make the world safe for democracies” is out of step with the founding fathers intent.