The term "radical" means roots. In classical thought, the term radical referred to people who were talking about fundamental issues.

The US Founders were radicals in that they were discussing root issues.

Considering that radical means root, the question arises as to what the "radical" is doing to the roots of society.

The US founders were nurturing the roots of society.

The term "radical" took on the negative meaning after it was adopted by Marxists. This is because Marxists poison the roots of society with the idea that a new society would arise if we destroyed the foundation of the current society.