Now here’s a mic drop!

Politics is a mess. They have been for a long time. I look at leaders from both political parties and shake my head. I don’t think I want much. I just want another George Washington.

On September 17, 1796, Washington finalized a draft of his presidential farewell address. Two days later, the address appeared in Claypoole’s American Daily Advertiser, published in Philadelphia, officially notifying the public that he would be stepping down as the nation’s first president. He didn’t ask to be emperor or king, all he requested was go away in peace.

His farewell address reprinted in newspapers across the nation touched on many issues, including his perspectives on the Constitution and the successful continuation of a democratic nation. Politicians today would be wise to listen to Washington.

Here’s a few of his best lines from his farewell address. They’re a little stiff and long-winded to our modern ear, but still a they serve as a lesson in leadership:

“I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable.”

…….

“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy.”

…….

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

…….

“Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.”

…….

“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

…….

“It is important … that the habits of thinking in a free Country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective Constitutional Spheres; avoiding in the exercise of the Powers of one department to encroach upon another.”

Discover more from Writing from the Heart with Brian

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

52 thoughts on “Now here’s a mic drop!”

  4. There a fantastic line, Brian. Thanks for sharing! I wish a civics class was required for our politicians. There is so much to learn from Washington and the Founding Fathers… they really were servants of the people back in the day.

    Also, a quick FYI, simply because I’m a nerd and can’t help it 🤓😏😅, Washington spoke to the successful continuation of a “constitutional republic.” They’re similar, both with a national leader, but, as Alexander Hamilton brilliantly illustrated, “Democracy is like two wolves and a lamb voting on what to eat for lunch, but a republic is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow great lesson Erin. And you’re right about the Civics Class. I think it would help with understanding the origin of issues, but even more importantly, it would help with knowing how to get things done. We’re missing that right now. “Servants of the People.” I haven’t heard someone use that correctly and appropriately in a long time. Wow.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I think there were lots of differences back then, but when something was decided . . . . I feel like they worked together for the good of the growing country. I don’t always see that in politicians across the globe. They seem to be just biding their time instead of trying to work for the good of everyone involved. Kind of sad, really. A selfish way of looking at things.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I totally agree, Brian. I feel that now it’s about hanging onto their votes and power rather than trying to collaborate to move change and progress forward.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. We do need a George Washington today. I didn’t learn much about him in school, but as a chaperone with my son’s class visited Mt. Vernon. There I learned so much and appreciate all that he did for our country.

    Liked by 2 people

      2. Okay, okay, now I need to add Mount Vernon to our travel list. Since I traveled cross country with my son, I’ve been spending so much time planning all the places west (AZ, NV, Utah, CA, Col, Montana, WA) that I want to visit that I’ve forgetten there are some cool places on the East too. Ha, ha.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Our country has in my opinion, seen its best days, Brian. We are on the slippery slope to the end. Have you noticed all the satanic crap on TV in the form of movies? Or, the latest MTV awards show the other day which I did not watch but saw enough photos of to know that there were a ton of demonic references and costumes. I just refuse to watch anything that calls itself news. It’s all a lie, the age of honest journalism died years ago. America has a serious disease thanks to the devil. Sorry, just being honest about what I see today.

    Like

    1. Yes, I hear you John. I didn’t see the MTV stuff this week, but I’m obviously not in their key audience group. Ha, ha. I try not to get too down. Yes, there’s some crazy things out there. People really are crazy, but I remind myself that our Constitution gives them the right to live as they please (as long as they don’t hurt others), just as it gives me the right to pray and do as I see fit. I know I probably lean a little more to the liberal side than others, but I still have faith. I was talking to someone younger than me this week who I thought really had it together. Our politics probably weren’t the exact. They probably care about some things that I don’t, but they gave me hope, that’s what I try to look for, stuff like that, that matters and not the silly stuff on MTV that’s just for showy sake.

      Like

  10. I know we’re all hopeful that our leaders will be upright and noble, but in a democracy leaders (at least we think) are chosen from the common people. Seems to me that, as the people are, so the leaders are. If the people value honesty and live upright lives, those are the people they’ll choose as leaders. If we citizens are inclined to fudge on truth and morality, or deeply divided and squabbling, will there be clarity of vision to elect honest, noble representatives? Maybe I’ve got it wrong, but I think goodness has to come from the bottom up.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I don’t think you’re off Christine. As the people go, so goes our leaders. We get the leaders we want. I think that means we need to demand better. We need to demand some of those Washington traits. If we demand them, then the right leaders will come forward.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My sister and I had a discussion this morning similar to this. Each generation seems to dislike the new generation for various reasons. its weird being on the other end of this!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. I cringe at the thought of a 2020 repeat. We really can do better and need younger blood in office and this coming from a gal who just joined Medicare 😱😁 Interesting post, Brian.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Brian, you know how to find the most interesting stuff. This one totally rings true for me especially in this day and age, “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”

    Love this perspective which reminds me none of this is new!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, yes, you’re so right! Really isn’t new. Which actually in a weird way gives me hope. I’m really glad I posted this today. I was leaning toward not … because it’s not 10-second soundbite speechwriting, but it really is encouraging. We’ve been here before. We’ll get through this! Thank you.

      Like

  16. I agree with what you say and many of the comments. I read a book on each of the Presidents starting w Washington and made it as far as Polk. I hope to finish one day. I feel compelled to point out that while there are so many heroic traits of our founding fathers and I’m in awe of their courage, strength, and vision, most of them w the exception of John Adams had slaves, including Washington who freed them in his will. I have trouble reconciling that fact.

    Like

  17. So much wisdom and foresight here! The words “a very fallible judgment” really jump out at me, acknowledging as they do that … we’re all just doing the best we can, and will make mistakes. I yearn for a growth politics that embraces learning from mistakes instead of pretending none are being made.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

Up ↑

Discover more from Writing from the Heart with Brian

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading