George Washington is often the most recognizable name in the category of American history and the Founding Fathers. For many reasons, he is loved and remembered by many Americans; myself included. Though, what did he really believe, and is there anything that we can learn from his lessons?
Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.
George Washington, First Annual Address
It is quite obvious the paramount to education and overall knowledge in America. The Founding Fathers believed, in many ways, that knowledge, and therefore the procurement thereof, is essential to liberty. The significance and ultimate importance of this fundamental value/idea is shown in the meaning of the First Amendment.
Though, there are many other instances where knowledge provides beyond simply liberty; as George Washington suggests above. Though, he does, in fact, share his opinion on the reason for freedom of speech. One of his most notable quotes, which is often recited, explains in a metaphor the cause and effect nature of the absence of free speech.
;the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.
George Washington, Address to the Officers of the Army
If we are to lose the idea of what is right and wrong, or to not be able to share our own opinion, or for that matter learn the opinions of others; we will be blind in our conscience and exploited by the government or people in power, as we cannot, by any means, question the actions of those which govern. It is all more important that in order to acquire true liberty that we are able to have unique opinions and thoughts. America is not defined by collective identity nor opinion; rather we are defined by the individuality and therefore diversity of the people.
George Washington provides profound notions in regard to political parties; of which directly relate to and describe the current status of our political system and government. In many ways, it is disturbing the truth and reality his statements hold, even from the late 1700s. One of these philosophies he held suggests that political parties should not exist. This is one of my defining philosophies for politics. If we are to identify with a group opinion, such as the Republican or Democratic parties, we are depriving ourselves of the genius of the very government system that has been created. This is so because the system determines what is to be voted and passed into law based on the individual values of representatives and therefore people. This means, by effect, that something which is truly good and supported by the people will be passed into law; yet not because a political party deems it so.
One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts.
George Washington, Farewell Address
This is just one of Washington’s issues with political parties. In fact, he did not associate himself with any party. The original system of election for the presidency, as well as, the vast majority of the creation of the constitutional republic, had no regard for any political party. It is, quite frankly, obvious as to why our system is apparently failing; it was not designed for such parties. This is evident in the aforementioned election system for president; where the runner-up in the election would become vice president.
In the same farewell address, Washington had this to say:
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.
George Washington, Farewell Address
The truth of this statement, from 1796, is deadly accurate in today’s government as well. We are stuck in this system of corruption and potent engines, by which we are forced to play the game of politics in all three branches of government. Unless there is an active call to dismantle and start a new, there is only one option to making “progress” in government; that is to join them.
The debate in regards to military power and funding is a large one. It is a very imprecise issue, as many people have their own opinions (and rightly so) to justify, or not, the spending and military force. Though, the importance of military strength was very relevant and obvious to the Founding Fathers. In so many ways, this was the main target of the Consitution; to fix the lack of union power established in the Articles of Confederation. Clearly listed are the duties of the federal government, to protect all states from foreign threats and armies. Therefore, it stands to reason, that the funding and upkeep of military resources are most needed and proper. In fact, George Washington, in many ways, directly refutes the common argument that because the world is mostly at peace, then there is no need for a strong or massive military.
To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.
George Washington, First Annual Address
The lessons that we can learn from George Washington are great in number, yet above simply a few. It stands as a constant, though, the importance of education and knowledge in all regards; and to the effect of being a unique individual and self-reasoning.