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1/ An Independence Day Thread - Needed Now, More than Ever: @jaketapper labeled George Washington as merely a "slaveholder" in a tweet recently. This to those who honestly study history, and those who share this type of viewpoint, commit the Cardinal sin of "presentism."
2/ Presentism is the evaluation of the actions of the past based on the standards or mores of the current time. To do this to George Washington is both a Cardinal and Venal sin wrapped into one. George Washington is arguably the greatest secular figure of his era, and of all time
3/ George Washington's greatness is diverse, but on July 4th, it focuses on not what he did, but what he resisted doing. Washington did what Julius Caesar could not do. Washington was the standard Napoleon admitted he could not match. Washington turned away from personal power.
4/ Washington did this not once, but at least three times. Twice at the inception of this Nation, and when he stepped down as President after two terms (think of the FDR fetishists). Washington was the rarest secular figure; a man of principles in words and actions (or inaction).
5/ When I think of Washington, as I do every July 4th, I am drawn to why the Left dislikes his clarion adherence to principles, and how he set the example for all others in terms what it means to be a citizen of the US. Washington, landed and wealthy, could have easily ignored
6/ what it meant to be an American, limiting it to "Gentlemen" of standing. However, he did not, and proved it in the context of a people subject to virulent persecution for 4000 plus years, Jews. Washington proved his greatness again by spelling out real inclusion to a tiny
7/ Synagogue in Newport Rhode Island. The Jews of the Touro Synagogue, based on a history of European insecurity as to their status as citizens, subjects, or foreigners turned to Washington to determine where they stood in the new nation. Washington shined as the beacon of his
8/ principles again. These Jews were not landed "Gentlemen" of commerce and prestige. Washington took this moment, and delivered, ironically in the context of 2020's ignorance, on the universality of the founding principles. Washington's letter to the Touro Synagogue provides
9/ the basis for the delivery of individual rights that resulted in the Bill of Rights, and eventually excoriated the stain of slavery in the US. Every July 4th, people should be reminded of Washington's words to a Synagogue, but whose application is music to all downtrodden:
10/ "Gentlemen:
While I received with much satisfaction your address replete with expressions of esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you that I shall always retain grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced on my visit to Newport from all classes of
While I received with much satisfaction your address replete with expressions of esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you that I shall always retain grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced on my visit to Newport from all classes of
11/ Gentlemen:
citizens.
The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security.
If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which
citizens.
The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security.
If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which
12/ we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and happy people.
The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and
The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and
13/—a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.
It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights,
It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights,
14/for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.
15/It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration and fervent wishes for my felicity.
May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good
May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good
16/will of the other inhabitants—while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.
May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here,
May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here,
17/ and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.
G. Washington"
Have a Blessed 4th, and thank G-d a man like Washington lived amongst us.
G. Washington"
Have a Blessed 4th, and thank G-d a man like Washington lived amongst us.
