Sapientia

Citizens of America,

Seldom, am I am asked for guidance in the affairs of our great nation; for the times are much different now. The colonies that fought for freedom from repression have grown beyond what the forefathers and I could ever have imagined. Yet, throughout the course of time, having on occasion been summoned to impart guidance to those in their dark hour; I have always been forthright in discreetly presenting my assistance. I have traversed the halls beyond the Oval Office with many who have followed in my footsteps. Abraham, Andrew, Franklin, John and even Richard have called upon me and I have always answered their prayers with a thought or an impulse that would assist them in their moment of choice.

However, the events of your new century have garnered our attention… and our concern. In numerous instances during my presidency and in my farewell address, I warned of the divisive nature “of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discrimination… 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.” 1

Not since the time of the Civil War, has such divisiveness been more prevalent; and the current party discord now brings the citizens of America to a great moment of choice. It is a choice born of the winds of change, which have positioned the United States as a conqueror instead of a protector of liberty. Where this course will lead is uncertain but if you are to regain the trust of the world’s populace, it is imperative to understand that “the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.” 2

In large part, it is the division of party that has sent America toward the difficulties that are now presented to her… and it amazes us that despite the precarious nature of this position, so many of her citizens seem either oblivious to the challenges that must be addressed or in the other extreme, are zealous in the belief that their prescription is the only solution. You live in most difficult times but I ask you to consider that the path placed before you would be safer through adherence to the original precepts of the Founding Fathers. I once stated: “towards the preservation of your government… it is requisite… that you 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.” 3

It is clear that these first misguided steps have been taken with your Patriot Act, without the full consent of the citizenry… and we find the name of this action, most ironic. The potential results of this path is of concern, for it is so foreign to the counsel I presented upon the conclusion of my presidential tenure. Words spoken long ago but still most applicable today: “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it. It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! Is it rendered impossible by its vices?” 4

“In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than those permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a 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. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence, frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. 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.” 5

“Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences… “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…Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government… we may defy material injury from external annoyance; we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel.” 6

Is it possible to adhere to these declarations and affirmations made hundreds of years ago? True, the United States was born in a different time. The world is much smaller today and it is clear that adjustments must always be made for ever changing events. However, the concepts that created freedom must still remain in effect if freedom is to be preserved… and this is why I beseech every citizen to look deep within your selves, in this moment of choice. Will your choice preserve freedom? Or, will it infringe upon it? Destroy it, in the name of retribution, expansionism and profits. The choice is yours… and you will be required to state it firmly, for the chasm among the American people runs deep.

Seldom, am I asked to provide guidance in the affairs of our great nation, but today, I humbly suggest that in order to retain your freedoms, you must look beyond the influences of divisive party rhetoric; beyond the desire for retribution and beyond your fears, to determine what is required to preserve the ideals from which democracy was birthed.

I present you with this request, for it is the alternative that causes me trepidation; having already seen a possible outcome during that wretched winter in Valley Forge. It was there, that “I saw three great perils that would come upon the Republic.” The first revealed the difficulties and pain of the revolution, which led to the birth of America. Within the second, I viewed the horrors of a Civil War, as I heard a mysterious voice say, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.”

Then the third vision, of a future yet to unfold. A future, I fear, will befall America if the wrong path is chosen. “And again I heard the mysterious voice saying, “Son of the Republic, look and learn. At this, the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia, and Africa. Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene. From each of these countries arose thick, black clouds that were soon joined into one. And throughout this mass, there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men, who, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America, which country was enveloped in the volume of cloud. And I dimly saw these vast armies devastate the whole country, and burn the villages, towns and cities that I beheld springing up.”

“As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat, I again heard the mysterious voice saying, “Son of the Republic, look and learn.” When the voice had ceased, the dark shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth, and blew a long and fearful blast.”

“Instantly a light as of a thousand suns shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel upon whose head still shone the word “Union,” and who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens attended by legions of white spirits. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle. Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict, I heard the mysterious voice saying, “Son of the Republic, look and learn.”

“As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious.”

“Then once more I beheld the villages, towns and cities, springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, plating the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice: “While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the Union last.” And taking from his brow the crown on which was blazoned the word “Union,” he placed it upon the Standard, while the people, kneeling down, said “Amen.” 7

Perhaps, you think this impossible… and perhaps you are correct. Yet, I have seen the outcome of a battle, a war and even a Revolution, changed by a choice that seemed almost insignificant in that moment. If not for my decision to choose an alternate route from Hartford to West Point in September 1781, General Arnold’s treasonous plot would surely have succeeded; and all hope for freedom would have vanished. So, be prudent in the judgments you are about to make, for there are times when even victory comes at immeasurable cost. As I conclude, I can only impart the most important words from my vision to assist you: for “as I saw a bright angel, on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word “Union,” bearing the American flag which he placed between the divided nation, he said, “Remember ye are brethren.” 8

George Washington

Notes:
1-6 George Washington’s Farewell Address, Sept. 26, 1796
7-8 General George Washington’s Vision,

Reprinted: Dec. 21, 1950. The Stars and Stripes

# posted by Buoyant @ 10:30 AM