I just wanted to take note of the almost complete lack of mainstream media comment on yesterday’s (22 February 2023) anniversary of George Washington’s birth. There is no question, of course, that Washington remains the single most important figure in American history. Without him, the revolution against British tyranny certainly would have been defeated; Britain, after all, was then the world’s only superpower. After victory, he surrendered his sword to the civilian government, when he could easily have taken power, guided the rancorous 1787 Constitutional Convention to success, supported the ratification of the Constitution it produced, served two terms as president of the United States, appointed the most talented cabinet the country has ever had, set the best foreign policy for America, one of neutrality and non-intervention, and freed the slaves he owned at his death. He is an exemplar of honesty, personal bravery and decency, resilience, prudence, honor, and complete loyalty to the republic.
The media’s decision to remain silent on this good man’s birthday is simple to understand. It cannot point to any other man or woman – white or non-white – that comes within a thousand miles of Washington as, by far, the greatest American who has ever lived. Washington was an American, a nationalist, a brave soldier, a force for moderation and commonsense, a Christian, and a leader without peer.
In his Farewell Address of September, 1796 – an American state paper far more important than, say, the Gettysburg address – Washington correctly emphasized the indispensably important role of America’s Christian faith to ensuring the survival of the Constitution and the new republic.
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. (1)
Permanently truer words have never been written.
—Endnote:
–(1) “Washington’s Farewell Address 1796”, https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp
