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Showing posts with label Short Facts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Short Facts. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thomas Jefferson
8 Short Facts About George Washington #8
For a long time, Thomas Jefferson (and James Madison) were a part of Washington's inner circle, but during the Washington presidency, this began to change. During the War for Independence, Washington saw the effects of the lack of a strong government in the suffering of his soldiers. They had little equipment, little food and little pay. Washington believed that the creation of the federal government by the constitution was the appropriate and decent result of the "Spirit of '76".
For a long time, Thomas Jefferson (and James Madison) were a part of Washington's inner circle, but during the Washington presidency, this began to change. During the War for Independence, Washington saw the effects of the lack of a strong government in the suffering of his soldiers. They had little equipment, little food and little pay. Washington believed that the creation of the federal government by the constitution was the appropriate and decent result of the "Spirit of '76".
Jefferson disagreed. While Washington tended to ask what was best for all Americans, Jefferson saw the world through the eyes of a Virginia planter. He was angered by Alexander Hamilton's economic system which he believed favored the banking interests and the expense of the Virginia planters. He was angered by what he believed was the betrayal of the "Spirit of '76" by the Federalists.
Jefferson had come to believe, wrongly, that Washington was a senile old man who was used as a pawn by Hamilton. Jefferson would begin a "whisper campaign" against President Washington. He would deny to Washington that he played any part in slanders leveled against him. Jefferson would resign his position in Washington's cabinet at one point and the relationship would deteriorate. Upon publication of a Jefferson letter critical of Washington, Washington would cease all contact with Jefferson. American politics have changed very little over the years.
Letters
8 Short Facts About George Washington #7
Perhaps nothing has been as valuable to historians as the personal letters of our major historical figures. Historians have learned so much thanks to the preservation of personal correspondence. Consider the importance of the letters exchanged between John Adams and his wife Abagail and the letters between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They are among the most important historic artifacts of the period leading up to and immediately following the founding of our nation. It is a shame that we do not have a similar historical record for George Washington.
It is believed that Washington expressed his personal opinions in their fullest form in the letters to his wife Martha. For this reason, they were destroyed following his death. Imagine what we could have learned from those letters.
Source - His Excellency by Joseph J. Ellis
Perhaps nothing has been as valuable to historians as the personal letters of our major historical figures. Historians have learned so much thanks to the preservation of personal correspondence. Consider the importance of the letters exchanged between John Adams and his wife Abagail and the letters between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They are among the most important historic artifacts of the period leading up to and immediately following the founding of our nation. It is a shame that we do not have a similar historical record for George Washington.
It is believed that Washington expressed his personal opinions in their fullest form in the letters to his wife Martha. For this reason, they were destroyed following his death. Imagine what we could have learned from those letters.
Source - His Excellency by Joseph J. Ellis
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Slavery
8 Short Facts About George Washington #6
Slavery is the most obvious and most glaring of the hypocrisies at the founding of our country. There can be little doubt that the institution is at direct odds with the bedrock principals upon which our nation was founded. It was the most evil of institutions. One look at race relations in our nation today show that we have still failed to atone for our greatest sin.
It is clear that our founders were well aware of their hypocrisy. It troubled them, but they did not have the courage to take on the institution. It has been argued, from the time of the founding to this very day, that slavery had to be retained in order for the union to survive. No matter, slavery is still evil.
Washington seemed more troubled by slavery than most. As he began to plan his return to private life, he expressed his desire to free his slaves. This was, as Joseph J. Ellis expressed in his book His Excellency, an attempt "to liberate his bondsmen as well as his own conscience." Ultimately though, Washington would take no action on freeing his slaves in his own lifetime.
Unlike every other founding father that owned slaves however, Washington would, in his will, free his slaves. It does not forgive his practice in the institution or his failure to act on the issue in his lifetime. Still, it is something. It was a moral act at a time when there weren't very many where slavery was concerned.
Slavery is the most obvious and most glaring of the hypocrisies at the founding of our country. There can be little doubt that the institution is at direct odds with the bedrock principals upon which our nation was founded. It was the most evil of institutions. One look at race relations in our nation today show that we have still failed to atone for our greatest sin.
It is clear that our founders were well aware of their hypocrisy. It troubled them, but they did not have the courage to take on the institution. It has been argued, from the time of the founding to this very day, that slavery had to be retained in order for the union to survive. No matter, slavery is still evil.
Washington seemed more troubled by slavery than most. As he began to plan his return to private life, he expressed his desire to free his slaves. This was, as Joseph J. Ellis expressed in his book His Excellency, an attempt "to liberate his bondsmen as well as his own conscience." Ultimately though, Washington would take no action on freeing his slaves in his own lifetime.
Unlike every other founding father that owned slaves however, Washington would, in his will, free his slaves. It does not forgive his practice in the institution or his failure to act on the issue in his lifetime. Still, it is something. It was a moral act at a time when there weren't very many where slavery was concerned.
Morality and Religion
8 Short Facts About George Washington #5
Washington held that virtue and morality, those central tenants of any liberal philosophy, are necessary for any government to prosper. Ironically, it is conservatives today that speak most of virtue and morality. It's ironic because no modern political philosophy has done more to fight against the very liberal ideas upon which this country was founded. Truth be told, the modern conservative views morality solely though the practice of religion.
Yes, in modern conservatism, religion is the only functioning guide for morality, and much like every other institution touched by conservatism, it has been corrupted. Still, as Washington himself acknowledged, religion can be an "indispensable" support for political prosperity. Washington would also indicate however that morality does not require religion. That's a recognition that supports the concept of religious freedom that was at the heart of the founding of our nation.
'Tis substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.Those words, from George Washington's farewell address, offer a revealing look into Washington's view of the great American experiment. The establishment of this new nation and its bedrock principals were based on morality. The establishment of our nation was not a mere act of rebellion; it was a moral necessity.
Washington held that virtue and morality, those central tenants of any liberal philosophy, are necessary for any government to prosper. Ironically, it is conservatives today that speak most of virtue and morality. It's ironic because no modern political philosophy has done more to fight against the very liberal ideas upon which this country was founded. Truth be told, the modern conservative views morality solely though the practice of religion.
Yes, in modern conservatism, religion is the only functioning guide for morality, and much like every other institution touched by conservatism, it has been corrupted. Still, as Washington himself acknowledged, religion can be an "indispensable" support for political prosperity. Washington would also indicate however that morality does not require religion. That's a recognition that supports the concept of religious freedom that was at the heart of the founding of our nation.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Mr. President
8 Short Facts About George Washington #4
You'd be amazed at the things that are considered important at the formation of a new nation, although, they make sense when you think about them. The greatest fear at the establishment of the office of President in our Constitution was that the office would be viewed as monarchical. The name by which the people would address the new President was vitally important at allaying this fear. Names such as "His Elective Majesty" or "His Mightiness" were suggested by John Adams. To the relief of George Washington, the much simpler "Mr. President" was settled upon. Adams did not feel that this title paid the office the proper respect, but Washington, with an eye on history's view, knew that the simple title would help ensure his place in the ages.
You'd be amazed at the things that are considered important at the formation of a new nation, although, they make sense when you think about them. The greatest fear at the establishment of the office of President in our Constitution was that the office would be viewed as monarchical. The name by which the people would address the new President was vitally important at allaying this fear. Names such as "His Elective Majesty" or "His Mightiness" were suggested by John Adams. To the relief of George Washington, the much simpler "Mr. President" was settled upon. Adams did not feel that this title paid the office the proper respect, but Washington, with an eye on history's view, knew that the simple title would help ensure his place in the ages.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Posterity
8 Short Facts About George Washington #3
Unlike Julius Caesar and Oliver Cromwell before him, and Napoleon, Lenin, and Mao after him, (Washington) understood that the greater glory resided in posterity's judgment. If you aspire to live forever in the memory of future generations, you must demonstrate the ultimate self-confidence to leave the final judgment to them.
Even if George Washington wasn't a vain man, he did care what others thought of him. Deeply, in fact. Throughout the fight for American independence, Washington was always concerned with how he would be viewed by history. It would concern him through the formation of the Republic and throughout his two terms as President.
Consider that George Washington could have remained President as long as he wanted. The act of stepping down after his second term cemented his place in history. He was the great conqueror, the father of a great nation, and he relinquished control voluntarily, perhaps even eagerly.
Washington's eagerness to be remembered as a great man throughout history made him a better leader and a better man.
Source - His Excellency by Joseph J. Ellis
Monday, March 23, 2009
Religious Freedom
8 Short Facts About George Washington #2
Our country's founder was a strung believer in religious freedom. Any doubts that this might not have been the case are erased when reading Washington's letter to a Hebrew Congregation in Rhode Island. Perhaps the most famous words in the letter were ...
Our country's founder was a strung believer in religious freedom. Any doubts that this might not have been the case are erased when reading Washington's letter to a Hebrew Congregation in Rhode Island. Perhaps the most famous words in the letter were ...
The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: 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 was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. 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.Interestingly enough, Joseph J. Ellis says that there is "considerable evidence" that the letter may have been written by Jefferson. (That would be Thomas Jefferson of course.) Still, the letter was delivered by Washington and can be taken as representing his beliefs. Our founders were far more tolerant than many present day Americans.
Don't Bury Me Yet!
8 Short Facts About George Washington #1
The truth about George Washington's religious beliefs is hard to pin down. Although he attended an Anglican church, he would not accept communion. Additionally, as he lay on his death bed, there was no minister; there were no religious symbols in the room. He instructed his personal secretary, Tobias Lear, to wait two days before his body was placed in the vault. Washington believed that on occasion, a dead person would be buried alive on accident. He may have even believed this is what happened with Jesus.
The truth about George Washington's religious beliefs is hard to pin down. Although he attended an Anglican church, he would not accept communion. Additionally, as he lay on his death bed, there was no minister; there were no religious symbols in the room. He instructed his personal secretary, Tobias Lear, to wait two days before his body was placed in the vault. Washington believed that on occasion, a dead person would be buried alive on accident. He may have even believed this is what happened with Jesus.
Source - His Excellency by Joseph J. Ellis
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