Message from the Number 1 President of the United States

Version of the “Betsy Ross” design of the first flag of the United States. In the public domain. Author: Devin Cook.

by Kathie MM

Dare you ignore him?

He was not just the first President of this country, he was a philosopher, a psychologist, a great and highly revered historical figure.

He has been called the “Father of the nation.”

He refused to run for a third term.

It’s not his birthday yet, but maybe we can honor him today by considering his message:

“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.

But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism.

The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual…

[S]ooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

It [the alternate domination of one faction over another] serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration.

It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.

It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption.”

George Washington

You recognize the name.  What do you think about the warning? Is it still relevant over 200 years later? if so, what are the solutions?