By Krysta Walker, Ballot Director for Libertarian Party of Illinois
In 1796, after serving two terms as President of the new United States, George Washington saw his opportunity to retire from the political scene. His service to the American people was extensive, and spanned over four decades of upheaval, trial, and rebirth. But Washington uses this occasion as an opportunity for more than just formalities. His “Farewell Address” reads, in fact, more like a treatise on the paramount importance of the American government and the means by which to safeguard its many blessings. He humbly refers to these cautions as “counsels of an old affection friend”.
“Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.” Washington maintains throughout his farewell address that he was never qualified for the task he was given. Yet the aging first President does give some very sound advice regarding the viability of their new fledgling nation. This can be broken down into a few main, and exceedingly important ideas for the people of his era: Keep the Union united; always be an American first; safeguard the Constitution and preserve the checks and balances; protect the nation against the dangers of political parties, especially those along geographical lines; protect the nation against the dangers of foreign entanglements. George Washington understands that these are the hinges upon which their very liberty rests.
