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It’s ‘Washington’s Birthday’: Here Are His 5 Most Important Warnings to Congress

Feb. 18, 2013 8:45am Becket Adams

George Washingtons 5 Most Important Warnings to Congress on Presidents Day

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Although commonly referred to as “Presidents’ Day,” Feb. 18 is legally recognized as “Washington’s Birthday” (his actual birthday is Feb. 22).

However, as the Washington Examiner notes, we don’t dedicate this day to Washington because he is the greatest U.S. general (he isn’t) or even the greatest president (the case can certainly be made for others). No, though Washington’s performance in both categories is deserving of high praise, we honor him for the precedent and example he set.

“He held the proverbial ring of power, and he gave it up of his own accord,” the Washington Examiner notes.

“Washington’s selflessness separates him from lesser men who won much greater military victories but were vanquished by the temptation of power — Julius Caesar before him and Napoleon Bonaparte afterward.”

He refused this power because he believed in the cause of the republic.

Understanding the pitfalls of organized government, Washington in his 1796 farewell address to Congress urged U.S. lawmakers to guard against unnecessary wars and racking up unsustainable public debt, among other things.

Considering the fact that the nation’s capital has in recent years become a spectacle more deserving of mockery than praise, perhaps it’s worth revisiting some of his warnings to Congress.

–

On the Constitution:

The White House

This government … has a just claim to your confidence and your support.

Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.

But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.

On ‘Progressive’ Ideas:

‘George Washington’ by John Trumbull

Towards the preservation of your government … resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown.

In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes, upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember, especially, that for the efficient management of your common interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable.

On Political Parties:

history.com

Let me now … warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.

This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.

But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

On War:

‘Washington Crossing the Delaware’ from the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.

[...]

The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. … The Nation, prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the Government, contrary to the best calculations of policy.

The Government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives.

The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of Nations has been the victim.

On Public Debt:

sonsofthesouth.net

As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertion in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear.

The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment, inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time dictate.

So there you have it. Enjoy “Washington’s Birthday” (which is technically Feb. 22). Without him, we probably wouldn’t have the Constitution or, you know, a United States of America:

–

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Featured image Getty Images. This post has been updated.

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Comments (221)

Truthmonster
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 1:28pm
And OBama remarked he was just a rich old white straight man, what did he know. He’s no Fidel Castro! or Joseph Stalin! or Adolph Hitler. He didn’t build that!

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Rob_M
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 1:26pm
This is why the progressives are convincing people the founders were racist slave owners. If people respected them they might listen to these ideas and be harder to control.

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- checkingbothsides
  Posted on February 18, 2013 at 2:25pm
  Umm, I respect the founders immensely, but they WERE racist slave owners. They were products of their times, and many of their opinions evolved over the course of their lives. Whitewashing these men does neither them or us any favors.
  
  Report this comment
SunTzuYou
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 1:21pm
Great article, one point of disagreement in my humble opinion. Washington by some is rated as the all time greatest general. Being a general is not as important as a leader, I recall reading that Napoleon on his deathbed lamenting something to the effect that “my officers, wish, I could have been a Washington.” Washington will and forever be our greatest President, he chose not to Be somebody, but to Do something. Entirely opposite the current party and event coordinator we have as our current whatever…

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ENIGMA28724
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 1:21pm
It is a shame the intelligence, character and wisdom of this man and the rest of our founding fathers isn’t revered like our Dear Leader. Or by our Dear Leader for that matter.

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Michelle_Baboonbutt
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 1:20pm
PUBLIUSPENCILMAN, you and all others like you would have to be total fools not to realize that Obama, Pelosi, Reed, et al OWN 47% of the people in this country – bought and paid for with the working people’s money.

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tankyjo
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 1:10pm
Dang! So mad I forgot to wish our 1st president a happy birthday. God bless you, and I am sure HE does.

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JEANNIEMAC
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 1:08pm
http://www.examiner.com/article/birthers-evidence-on-obama-withheld-from-supreme-court-justices
Supreme Court law clerks withheld evidence regarding Obama’s ineligibility for the Presidency. They did not want the Justices to see the evidence before the Feb. 15 conference, so what is to be the result on Feb. 19? The law clerks also returned much evidence to Orly Taitz so that it would not be available.
The law clerks are attempting to sabotage the case, as law clerks in many of Orly Taitz cases have done. Law clerks have a lot of power and discretion in determining which cases get heard, what happens to paperwork, etc. and these law clerks should be charged with obstruction of justice.

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tankyjo
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 1:07pm
Thanks NORMALMOM . Blacks are as much responsible for slavery as any other color of human. Slavery as you pointed out is part of the history of man. So, I like to ask people like “publicpencilhead”, WHAT are YOU doing about slavery TODAY???????????? Bonehead! The human “race”, people of all colors, also have joined the fight against slavery in every generation, with the exception of liberal/progressives. The fight continues today, as I am sure you are well aware. And “MOM”, I am sure you are likewise involved. God bless you. And you,”pubicpencilwhatever”; take 5 minutes, look it up, shut it up, do something today for those victims of human trafficing in 2013. Thanks to all of you who are already too!

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pohknee
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:55pm
We will soon know who the patriots are and who the collaborators are in America. It won’t be pretty and those without guns should walk up front where they will be safe.

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media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:51pm
Paraphrase reviews:

1. On the Constitution:

Obey the laws and don’t attempt end runs around Congress by illegal Executive Orders.

2. On Progressive Ideas:

Don’t alter the Constitution (resist with care the spirit of innovation on its principals, ESPECIALLY upon the credit of mere hypothesis (looking at you Global Warming “dude”?).

3. On Political Parties:

Stand for your principals, not phony bi-partisanship, because a system of an alternate domination of one faction over the other, “sharpened by the spirit of revenge” is itself a frightful despotism (you have to ignore the first two warnings to get here?).

Example: You can come along for the ride, but you have to sit in the back of the bus is an example of “revenge” and frightful despotism caused by progressive ideas and laws based hypothesis (ie: political parties build communities, not citizens)?

4. On War:

Cold wars are methods of slavery, cultivate peace and harmony with all (don’t support the religion of Islam with state aid, because it will NOT promote harmony, it will promote Islam)?

5. Public debt

Avoid it, don’t find ways to “build communities”, bridges to nowhere, and other events that will all eventually add up to the simple fact, at some point, socialism is great until you run out of other people’s money? Debt is a form of despotism that is preventable?

Thank you Glenn Beck, articles like yours, remind us of where we came from.

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KidCharlemagne
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:46pm
On relationships with Foreign Nations:

———————————–
“Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.”
-President George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

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lvjohn
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:45pm
Most if not all democrats have never heard of Washington or Jefferson they are stupid ignorant people hell bent on imposing their twisted evil disgusting ways on the rest of us.

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Dscriptboy
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:42pm
When will Americans look to our Founders for clear-headed advice?

We need the citizenry to lead – politicians MUST follow our example. This is why our civilization is so screwed up – we have hundreds of politicians eletced to office – each one with a zeal to lead and to help their constituents.

WE the PEOPLE need to clearly tell our elected representatives want we want done. The problem is that we have at least two clearly opposing views trying to lead.

One is for smaller government and the other is for bigger government. Clearly bigger does not work. It has never worked in human history. And still people cry for it.

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truemedia
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:36pm
another lie of GOV 100th ANNIVERSARY-INCOME TAX !!!!! Dems told that only the top 2% would pay and it was TEMPORARY LIE LIE LIE… Fast forward the Income TAX code as well as harry Reid confirms income tax is VOLUNTARY. IRS wont accept taht however if you try telling them!

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Allseasonangler
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:36pm
If George Washington was alive today, The Blaze and Glenn Beck would claim his peaceful foreign policy toward war was dangerous for America. Washington would be called Jimmy Carter or Ron Paul in respect to foreign policy.

In fact, what is left out here is Washington’s belief in not forming allies with nations that require America to fight wars on behalf of defending her allies and not true American national interest.

The party phrase talks about how Beck was loyal to Republicans and supported progressives like Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney in the last presidential election.

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red_white_blue2
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:29pm
I love when I hear people say, “I’m not into politics or current events.” Really? Then sit down, shut up! If you can’t be bothered to know history to preserve your country, then sit in the corner like a good little child, and let the adults handle it..ie Conservative Constitutionalists.

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wilbstal
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:21pm
One thing we know about George Washington, He would have shot Feinstein immediately, on the spot for her actions against America, had he been alive today. What does that tell us folks, was he a great man or what???

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- normalmom
  Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:30pm
  I think he has rolled and wept in his grave at the condition of this nation. So far from what he and thousands of others fought and died for.
  
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- PubliusPencilman
  Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:35pm
  “One thing we know about George Washington, He would have shot Feinstein immediately, on the spot for her actions against America”
  
  Nope.
  
  Report this comment
RestoreCapitalism
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:19pm
How profoundly different, and even opposite to our government today.

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S. Allen
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:16pm
Geo. Washington message to America: Don’t look to Washington for answers, look to the GOP-run states. See ConservativeStates.com

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wolffhe
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:09pm
Not sure if it has been pointed out but Washington’s birthday is Feb 22nd. I have noticed that some calendars are no longer showing the day of his birth, just President’s day is his birthday. He wasn’t born on the 3rd Monday every year. Guess that is how you erase history, a little at a time.

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- normalmom
  Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:29pm
  Lincoln’s birthday was also in February so they have linked them both together. Truthfully I could see them trying to totally get rid of most American or Christian holidays. At least from the direction the politicians are going.
  
  Report this comment
- GBOOOO
  Posted on February 18, 2013 at 6:11pm
  Boy, I was beginning to think I was the only one on this site to remember when Presidents’ Day did not exist. Fifty years ago, the federal holiday was on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12, and Washington’s birthday on February 22. Yes, a little bit of history does get lost when facts get washed over.
  On to the slavery issue – it is really too bad that the founding fathers didn’t deal with slavery in the beginning. Even if they felt they needed to wait until after the new country was established, they should have taken action soon after. Never thought much of Jefferson’s lack of backbone on the issue, especially with the Sally Hennings situation. The trouble is they, and people of their education and social status would have felt the changes the most. The Puritans, who arrived in the 1600′s were for the most part against slavery. Things have improved since then but I wish those darn southerners would get rid of the confederate flags.
  
  Report this comment
- santababy52
  Posted on February 19, 2013 at 4:49am
  @GB0000 Hey, as a proud southerner, I have never seen the confederate flag as anything but a symbol of being proud of living in the south and no one I knew believed it to be a symbol of racism. We were not taught to hate in my neck of the woods. Not even Yankees. Geez, I guess I’m too stupid to get it, you know, that I’m supposed to be a racist. Unbelievable! The media has done a pretty good job of indoctrinating you Yankees to believe that all southerners are inbred, stupid, and racist. Honestly, I’ve lived in 3 southern states and 2 northern states, NJ & OH, and of all the people I’ve ever met in my life, the nicest, friendliest, ,most honest, and smartest people I’ve known are from the south. I don’t fly a confederate flag but I might just go get one tomorrow. You need to lose that arrogant Yankee attitude of yours.
  
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cassandra
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:00pm
PENCILMAN don’t try your liberal tactics on this site we know history and how your ilk works the word game GO AWAY LITTLE MAN

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- PubliusPencilman
  Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:36pm
  The word game? You mean reasoned debate? I am sorry that the idea of someone disagreeing with you is so frightening.
  
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One of the Quiet Ones
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:00pm
How about a research project. A Washington’s Warning Scorecard for Congress. Divide it into 3 parts. What they admittedly think of the advice. How from their perspective their policies they have voted for reflect that advice. How a 3rd party persective views their record with respect to that. Put that out before each election. If someone got a zero on the score it would be hard to vote for them.

Whatever this site does with spying on you (ads) sucks. Using 90% cpu. It is only this site that does this. Took 4 minutes to write this on the site and I ended up having to rewite it in notepad to put this last part in. This is rediculous.

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aztd1
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 11:56am
Interesting picture at the top of the article – Washington standing by a Dodge Challenger with an American flag.
Too bad it’s a foreign built car, from a foreign owned company. So easily deceived.

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thx1138v2
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 11:54am
From “The Communist Takeover Of America – 45 Declared Goals”

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the “common man.”

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the “big picture.” Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

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cassandra
Posted on February 18, 2013 at 11:49am
Hey PENCILMAN the problem with our courts is that they have become infiltrated with liberals who ignore the rule of law and the Constitution,Prsident Washington is and always will be an American hero and treasure to which all our presidents should have followed his example, no one purged the Indians of their land like Andrew Jackson A DEMOCRATE, no one wanted slaves like the southern DEMOCRATES our founding fathers were looking for ways to obolish slavery, Lynching was done by southern DEMOCRATES ,DEMOCRATES wouldn’t allow blacks to vote after the civil war, the KKK were all DEMOCRATES, DEMOCRATES found a way to keep blacks slaves it’s called WELLFARE, it takes their ambition and self reliance away from them and keeps them slaves to the government

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- PubliusPencilman
  Posted on February 18, 2013 at 2:45pm
  Regarding your point about Democrates [sic]:
  
  Which party today appeals most to white Southern elites who oppose immigration and multiculturalism?
  
  Report this comment

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