Washington’s Farewell Address Analysis

Introduction

Although, the Farewell of Washington was to be expected, the citizens still wanted his leadership to continue. The Farewell Address, was just a strong reassurance that what was started by a man, will not end with his absence. Freedom was founded, the laws were laid, but the man needed his rest.

Setting a precedent for two terms per president, by acknowledging that presidency takes its toll, the Farewell Address” might have been a “goodbye” for then, but it is still the most relevant and loud “Hello world, this is America, the land of the free!” that echoes through the ages today. The Farewell is a lineup of the major duties and threats that everyone in this country needs to be aware off, so the freedoms can be forever maintained: union, provincialism, the constitutional rights, danger of political parties, accounting, economy, foreign relationships.

George Washington’s Farewell Points

A goodbye letter, a teaching material, a behavior example and a loving advice. That is the farewell from 1796, of our 1st President. There is no better way to leave your country, but with support, encouragement and a reminder of what is important. Washington was our 1st President, and he hoped that all future Presidents will follow in the same steps for the benefit of our free land. After clarifying the reasons of his farewell and making sure it is understood he will not run for a third term, Washington drew some strong points for the people and some fair warnings, as follows.

Unity

He made it clear that there will always be differences of opinion on how some things should be done. The purpose of unity is to have an absolute moral basis that everyone adheres to, because it is perfect. Maintaining the unity of the core beliefs, regardless of the afflictions, is knowing that liberty can not prevail if there is division:” The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you”.

Sectioning and Usurping Power

But with unity comes opposition. Sectionalism or provinciality is the division of the Republic by smaller territories for better governing. These were matters argued by some others, which prompted a good warning from Washington. He stated, that by forming smaller groups in the entity, they can be more easily influenced toward the evil. Breaking little pieces from a whole makes it less noticeable that they are missing. The same way, political factions can be ways of pretense interest in the civic benefit, but in fact, looking to change the freedoms that are set in the Constitution. Multiple political powers can easily influence people toward innovations that can lead away from the Constitution.

Encroachment of Benches/Despotism

Staying focused on the goal, can be weary for the human heart, when it deals with the temptation of power. Washington argued that benches that try to take control of other benches are looking for power gain and consolidation. It is an ever present evil that harmed humanity as history is witness. He warned that the Constitutional way should always be used if a desire to change the Constitution is reached, and that is by the complete vote of all people.

Need of Religion and Core Values

Washington was secure in his knowledge that without faith and the moral values that come from it, there is no justice and truth. The judicial system will fail its duty of rightfully judging matters. Having a knowledge of God from the school years, would model the next generation towards good and truth and government needs to stay oral in order to take good decisions.

Debt and Taxation

This topic is still argued today, but the outline given by the 1st President is as easy as it gets. America does not need to get involved in unnecessary wars which are expensive. Borrowing is a right that government can use but should be limited to necessary outcomes. Debt incurred by a generation should not be left to the next one. However, debt needs taxes to be paid off. A gentle taxation system and thoughtful expenditures will create a good monetary balance. Staying neutral to the wars in Europe, is a good way to save the tax for things that are necessary in this land.

Factions and Foreign Interest

America must avoid giving preference to certain foreign countries above others as it will cause conflict of interest. The fact that America is a new land, away from Europe, should create a needed separation from Europe’s wars and peace dealings. Europe should not be influencing Americas allegiances and in all foreign affairs, morality and good faith policies will shield the country from foreign entanglements.

Conclusion

America has the opportunity to chose freedom and peace. The exact reasons why this new land was set away from Europe. Having served 45 years, Washington left a truth behind him that calls for further study and understanding. Trying to encompass such valuable information with blood and history, is like trying to raise a child into an adult in just 2 years.

The Constitution which was set for the preserving of our unalienable rights, is the Bible of government. It should be studied deeply in the school system, but seemly, since the separation of the Church and State, the political factions are slowly usurping America of its freedoms. The farewell is a big arrow pointing to the right and wrong way. America is at a crossroad and if the Constitution is lost in translation for the sake of innovation, the land will become just a further away part of the Europe it once tried to get away from. “In God we trust” must be again the way of the land, until then, the friends and citizens can once more stand for the flag, and once more train a new generation in the direction it should go which is: sailing towards freedom.

References

1. Washington, G. (1796). Washington’s Farewell Address. The Avalon Project. Retrieved from https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp