Explanation:
AMERICA HAS IGNORED GEORGE WASHINGTON’S ADVICE
America’s first president George Washington delivered a farewell address to the nation on September 17, 1796. In it he made suggestions and issued some warnings. America has ignored all of them. They were the following.
1. Maintain national unity.
For Washington the unity of our national government provides tranquility, happiness, peace, safety and prosperity. Today we have deep cultural divisions in America that are rending our national unity.
2. Adhere to the Constitution.
Washington warned that some who seek power will usurp for themselves the reins of government. He warned that they will subvert the Constitution in order to undermine that which cannot be overthrown. Many American presidents have abused the power of executive order in order to get what they want.
3. Avoid political parties.
Washington warned that political parties are a danger to the state because they take issues to excess. The Republican and Democratic parties today have caused gridlock in congress.
4. Religion and morality are important.
Washington believed religion and morality are indispensable supports. Today in America religion is often reviled and pernicious pleasure-seeking utilitarian immorality is on the rise.
5. Keep the national debt low.
Washington warned us to cherish public credit, to use it sparingly and to avoid the accumulation of debt. The Federal debt today is approaching 20 trillion dollars with no sign of abating.
6. Maintain neutrality and avoid alliances.
Washington believed avoiding entangling alliances would keep us from being embroiled in wars. Global Research* has pointed out that America has been at war 222 out of 239 years since 1776 or 93% of the time. It has been at peace for only 21 years and the only 5 year period it went without war was during the isolationist period of the Great Depression (1935-1940).
John Bowman
