“Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God’s sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.”
–Thomas a Kempis
“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
Today is the 294th birthday of the greatest of our Founding Fathers, George Washington. Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, George Washington enjoyed a career as a surveyor, soldier, farmer, and politician, and made great impacts on the nation and Virginia in each of his endeavors. Without George Washington, there would have been no victory in the Revolutionary War, no Constitution after the failed Articles of Confederation, and likely no restraint and the tradition of the peaceful transfer of power from one political administration to the next. George Washington, in the context of the founding of our country, truly was the indispensable man. May we always honor him, and learn from his example.
“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world.”
–President George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796
George Washington, a man of war, warned our country to avoid unnecessary foreign entanglements. He wished for the United States to pursue its own interests, and to be on good terms with all nations. Sadly, since the George H.W. Bush administration, the country has been dominated by a clique who strains at the leash to send American troops to fight their battles. Someone should tell these warmongers that real life is not a board game of “RISK!”.
“A pack of jackasses led by a lion is superior to a pack of lions led by a jackass.”
–George Washington
The Observations submits that this is where we are today. President Trump—like him or hate him—is a lion. He is trying to lead the country to a better future. And he is leading a pack of jackasses—Congress, and the entire Washington establishment. Not to mention a populace which has a large segment of what the late Rush Limbaugh referred to as “low information voters”. Our country has strayed so far from its Constitutional moorings that people have forgotten, if they ever knew, what it was like to be free and independent. That has to change, and it seems to be starting with President Trump. Let’s hope it continues.
“99% of failures come from people who make excuses.”
–George Washington.
Oh, so very true. At least since President Reagan, politicians of both parties have promised to combat “waste, fraud, and abuse”. Some, like President Reagan, have actually tried. Too many—like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Senator Mitch McConnell, and others—have just uttered the words as talking points, with no effort whatsoever to curb the Leviathan that is our federal government. If George Washington were alive today, he would not recognize our federal government. And he would not like it. He did not lead a revolution against the world’s greatest military power only to establish that which exists today, a government that inserts its tenacles into every nook and cranny of our citizens’ everyday lives.
“Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. Experience has taught us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession, and when the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
–George Washington.
Listen to the hysteria over government bureaucrats having to do their jobs, and some losing their jobs. These folks really believe that they are entitled to your money, and to force you to heed their directives. That is not real life. It certainly is not the private sector. When China Joe used the force of government to kill the Keystone Pipeline upon entering office, he dismissed the loss of 60,000 high paying, union jobs. When asked about it, he said that the newly unemployed should learn to “code” computer programs. Well, it that is good enough for private citizens, it is good enough for government bureaucrats. Let them learn to “code”.
“Leadership is not only having a vision, but also having the courage, the discipline, and the resources to get you there.”
–George Washington.
There is not a lot of courage in Washington. We pray that there is enough, and that the American people are determined to finally do something about the mess that is our federal government. It will not be easy, and it will not be quick. But it can be done. This is not a burden merely for the Trump Administration. It is our burden too.
“Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do–then do it with all your strength.”
–George Washington.
For all the fashionable talk about our Founding Fathers being Deists, the truth is that George Washington was a deeply religious man, a member of the Anglican faith. He knew, as should we all, that without God, we are lost. But with God, all things are possible. But for the intervention of Divine Providence, we would have no country. And without the intervention of Divine Providence, we will not be able to keep that which was bequeathed us.
First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, George Washington truly was the indispensable man. He is the greatest Virginian.
Happy Birthday George! May God Bless your soul.
GFK
Observations From The Fifth Estate 