LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

In Washington's farewell address, this ideal American president not only gave much thanks to the people of this nation for their support of his numerous policies, the key components for his success, but also makes note of certain political virtues against the dangers that they present and, if left unscathed, ultimately will lead to the downfall of this newly independent nation. He reiterates the point that the American people are essentially one body, differing only slightly in their perspectives regarding their desires for liberty and their common political beliefs. Too, Washington believes that there are lines of both communication and economic natures that connect the four sects of the American frontier, devout in his thoughts that these lines, brought together under one governmental system, is vastly more powerful than that of individual alliances. In light of promoting this unity, Washington also makes note of the dangers of foreign policies. These foreign ideals can easily spur into factions, organizations of similar people under a zealous leader that can come to control the liberties of its people, through which it gains its power. Too, Washington expresses his concerns for the ever present obstacle of dissension, primarily spurred through an individual with power exemplifying strong opposition to the Constitution. This truth would in turn transform the impact of the Constitution. In order to suppress these threats, Washington stresses the points of religious piety and the spread of knowledge, further promoting his themes of political morality which are the key to success in any democratic government.