by Joe Facinoli | Joe’s Corner |
There were more than a few folks, back in the late 1700s, who wanted to make George Washington the “King of America”.
It was even discussed at the Constitutional Conventions, in the 1770s and 80s. But before that “out there” proposition could be voted on, “King” George quickly and intelligently quashed all such thoughts and ideas.
Americans of all stripes had been used to a King, after all. He had always told them what they would be allowed to do with their lives, and just how to run their homes and businesses, and even how to school their children. And on and on. It was what they did.
But General Washington, who was by now the most popular, renowned, and adored man in the entire 13 colonies, reminded his fellow colonists that a monarchy, with a King as ruler, was indeed not only the source of all their problems, large and small, since their families had come to North America, but in addition, was precisely who and what they had just fought a brutal war against, to achieve their precious personal and political freedoms.
Washington was a brilliant man. Not without flaws, certainly, not least of which was being a slave owner of many hundreds of other human beings, but he was brave in the face or any controversy, or any enemy.
And he, along with so many of his fellow Founding Fathers, was exactly what our budding new country needed, at that time in our history. Warts and all, no matter how large.
Below are some recently rediscovered quotes from “Our Father”, which not only demonstrate the real quality of his character, but show his thought process in dealing with others, that is deeper than most, from any time.
His thoughts, and proclamations really, work well in all times, including his own, but are of particular value in today’s modern world, where one’s personal “value”, not to mention their sincerity, integrity, common sense, and strong character, especially in the political world, and amongst almost all our political leaders, have all been allowed to be moved far back from the prominent position they should always hold. Even to be ignored, unfortunately, far too often.
Here we go:
1) “Be not apt to relate news, if you know not the truth thereof.”
Do we even have to think about this one? It may be our biggest problem today. “Fake News”, and the willingness of so many to spread rumors and heresay, and outright falsehoods, as if they were the Gospel, and not caring at all to what effect these fabrications and untruths may have on friendships, our culture, business and industry, the governments, and a myriad of relationships, on all levels and in any field.
Amazing, and sad, that the hated “fake news” was a thing, even way back then.
2) “Wherein you reprove another, …be unblamable yourself.”
This one might remind us of another phrase we’ve all heard many times: “Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house.” By the way, “reprove” means to criticize, admonish, condemn, or to tell off someone. Or worse.
But whatever, wouldn’t it be nice if people telling us what we should, or have to do, would put their own houses in order first. Especially our corrupt and hypocritical governments, federal, state, and even more local.
3) “Always submit your judgement of others, …with modesty.”
Modesty? Is that even a thing, anymore? Muchless a word? When was the last time we heard a leader called “modest”, or described them as being admired for their “modesty”. Almost never. Especially most politicians of any stretch, and from any place.
Although it is true that some places produce even less “modesty”, and other high quality character traits, than others.
NYC and California, Boston and DC, …you know who you are.
4) “Let your conversation be without Malice or Envy.”
Wow! Ol’ George was really reaching with this one. Couldn’t have been more than just a hope, for him. However, it is said that this is how he thought, and spoke.
Although it might take more than what most people today are capable, not to mention willing to do, this one is probably the best character advice of them all.
Treat others properly and rightfully, and do the right things, every day, to every one. Lofty goal, but absolutely righteous.
Well, we can hope that our young “Cancel Culture” folks, and some not so young, will read these wonderful lines from our First President. If they would think on them for even a short time, they would come to appreciate that “old history”, is never irrelevant history, and that it can always be used to make today, the right here and right now, a much better place.
So, thanks to “King George”, for not wanting to be one, and for being less pretentious, and maybe even a little smarter, than most of the rest of our Founders. And maybe all of them.
© Copyright Joe Facinoli, 9-28-2022