I am keeping this one short. George Washington has basically become a mythic figure. His presidency was remarkable mainly because it was not chaotic. As the first President of a new country and a new government, this was vital. Had his administration been a disaster or even remotely negative, it could have doomed the new nation. It didn't hurt that the country universally loved General Washington.
Our Founding Fathers had committed treason by rebelling and would have been hung if had the Revolution not gone our way. As the lead traitor to the crown, Washington (along with John Hancock and Sam Adams) would have been the first to hang. And the odds were vastly against the ballsy General. His remarkable leadership is what allowed this great country to be born.
It is not hyperbole to say Washington could have declared himself King George of the new country had he chosen to do so. He was that popular. He voluntarily left office after two terms, determining that more than 8 years for a President was unhealthy for the Republic. He had neither the ego nor the lust for power to not put his country first. (Always thinking of you FDR, ya overrated chump). Imagine what our country might have become had he a thirst for power.
Washington rejected such reverent titles as His Excellency for the President. "Mr. President" was as far as he was willing to go. President Washington's actions determined what future presidencies would be. There was no guidebook. Even creating a cabinet was Washington's decision. He wisely instituted protective tariffs to protect young American industries. He maintained neutrality during the French Revolution and the ongoing conflict between France and Great Britain, knowing that the new country was in no position to be involved in any conflicts.
President Washington governed wisely. Most importantly, he governed without any notable screw ups.
My favorite quote from President Washington: "The Constitution is the guide, which I will never abandon."
If only future Presidents were so wise.
If you want to be truly inspired, take some time to read Washington's Farewell Address. Truly awesome.
Our Founding Fathers had committed treason by rebelling and would have been hung if had the Revolution not gone our way. As the lead traitor to the crown, Washington (along with John Hancock and Sam Adams) would have been the first to hang. And the odds were vastly against the ballsy General. His remarkable leadership is what allowed this great country to be born.
It is not hyperbole to say Washington could have declared himself King George of the new country had he chosen to do so. He was that popular. He voluntarily left office after two terms, determining that more than 8 years for a President was unhealthy for the Republic. He had neither the ego nor the lust for power to not put his country first. (Always thinking of you FDR, ya overrated chump). Imagine what our country might have become had he a thirst for power.
Washington rejected such reverent titles as His Excellency for the President. "Mr. President" was as far as he was willing to go. President Washington's actions determined what future presidencies would be. There was no guidebook. Even creating a cabinet was Washington's decision. He wisely instituted protective tariffs to protect young American industries. He maintained neutrality during the French Revolution and the ongoing conflict between France and Great Britain, knowing that the new country was in no position to be involved in any conflicts.
President Washington governed wisely. Most importantly, he governed without any notable screw ups.
My favorite quote from President Washington: "The Constitution is the guide, which I will never abandon."
If only future Presidents were so wise.
If you want to be truly inspired, take some time to read Washington's Farewell Address. Truly awesome.
