If you’re talking politically, then I agree 100%, like you said, we’ve done terrible shit in this country from before day one.

If I’m thinking literally though, 250 years have passed, including the start of Industrial Revolution. They would have no idea what anything was or what was going on, just like what would happen if someone today was transported that far in the future. That’s why I always think this argument is stupid.

“The worry is they’ll pull you over when you’re driving and ask for your papers,” said Lidia

Your papers, please (or “papers, please”) is an expression or trope associated with police state functionaries demanding identification from civilians during random stops or at checkpoints. It is a cultural metaphor for life in a police state.