The Foresight of G. Washington (pt.5) In his Farewell address to the nation, George Washington, the first President of the young country and experiment in democracy said further, in part:

"Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest."

"I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations....that they may not and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated. "

To read Washington's Farewell Address l796 in entirety for yourself, dear reader, you may find a complete copy at:  www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm

You, of course, may find the urge to highlight other passages of Washington's speech.  Regardless, his vision likely based on hind-sight from European history, is uncanningly and precisely appropriate to our times.  Would you agree? 

I, for one, would invite our congressional representatives to read this amazingly foresightful address themselves, daily, as a reminder and inspiration from the nation's founding father, as he offers, for we Americans a mere 2 centuries later, advice worth following. Sure wish he had said something about the dangers of adolescent arrogance in nations, or maybe it's just "the terrible 2's" ?  Much aloha to one and all!    E Ho'omaluhia me ka honua!  a.s.