Introduction
Towards the end of his second term as American president, George Washington wrote a letter to the American people (Gaffey, 2015). The letter, which has been reprinted severally in different forms acts as Washington’s valedictory after his twenty years of service to the American people. He presents his views and concerns that pertain the present and future political, social, and economic life of America. Washington thus left Americans with his perspective concerning how the American society ought to be run (Malanson, 2014). The American Dream is at the center of Washington's concerns. Therefore, this paper discusses the key ideas in Washington's "Farewell Address."
Liberty, Unity, and Morality
George Washington strongly called for the respect and assurance of personal freedom. Liberty is one of the American political thought that has existed since the country's inception. American Constitution assures the American people freedom (Gaffey, 2015). The American people ought not to be hindered by social, political or economic structures from exercising their rights. They should be free to think and act for the general good of America. Consequently, Washington disagreed with any form of aristocracy and illegal use of power that might counter people’s realization of freedom.
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Furthermore, the people ought to be independent in the decisions they make provided they are in line with the demands of the law. Washington thus warns political masses from endangering the American spirit of liberty and progressivism. The American society ought to show the rest of the world the essence of freedom and adherence to the law. There is a need for all people to be moral. Unity is key in achieving American dreams. Leaders and the people need to come together in planning and implementing projects. It is the moral duty of the leaders to respect and go by the demands of the public. The states should come together. It is through this that America will retain her international lead and influence.
However, realizing this unity demands a significant shift I thought and action. For instance, the Americans should not only treat themselves as members of the state. Such identification limits their patriotism and the impacts they have on the American society. Consequently, they should place their American identities first (Gaffey, 2015). Being American harmonizes their differences and brings them together for national service. Those who fail to appreciate the American dream and join the rest in pursuing it ought to be identified and feared (Gaffey, 2015). They can pose significant harm to the whole country.
The constitution exists for the general good of Americans. Consequently, any change in government should be arrived at legally. The law lays down the frameworks through which the national plans are implemented. He warns of the presence of people who are always concerned about how they can use power for their benefits. Due to this, constitutional amendments should be carried out carefully. The individuals seeking to amend the constitution to weaken the government can then be closed out. Vigilance is key to all Americans. As a matter of fact, they are the ones to endure the pain and torture from unscrupulous leaders (Gaffey, 2015).
Political parties ought not to be allowed to spoil the unity of Americans. Therefore, Washington speaks against the existence of very many political parties. The people tend to be separated further into the lines of the political parties they affiliate (Gaffey, 2015). Similarly, differences in religion, education, and race among other factors should be allowed ruin the whole society. Therefore, tolerance is essential in fostering American Progress (Gaffey, 2015). There is no reason justifying single-handed rule and influence. Consequently, leaders ought to be subjected to constant scrutiny. The people should be active in governance. It is the only way they can help themselves out of political ills. Americans thus should empower themselves through education, business, and technology. This allows them to make meaningful contributions to the country.
He presents the need for the American federal budget to be ample and balanced. The national credit is important in fostering the American people’s progress. Therefore, he urges the people to exercise a higher level of responsibility in paying off credit debts. This assures the rest access to the same and thus the whole society benefit from it. Furthermore, this significantly eliminates any chance of the future generations having to bear the burden of paying them back (Gaffey, 2015). Washington thus calls all Americans to exercise a higher degree of accountability and care for the future generation.
Conclusion
Washington’s ‘Farewell Address’ has been printed severally in different forms. Some people have reproduced it as letters while others have made it in other formats like pamphlets. However, the general concerns as communicated by Washington have never been lost (Malanson, 2014). He calls upon Americans to take charge in developing their country. For America to remain in its premiere position, it needs the effort of all Americans (Gaffey, 2015). Mediocrity and selfishness cannot yield America success. Instead, it ruins the whole of American Dream. Politicians need not be solely entrusted with power. The people should be on the lead in ensuring the constitution is well adhered to always. The differences among them need not be allowed to determine their fates. Unity is the path to success.
References
Gaffey, A. (2015). Recollecting Union: “Rebel Flags” and the Epideictic Vision of Washington’s Farewell Address. Western Journal of Communication, 79 (3), 327-347.
Malanson, J. (2014). "If I Had in His Hand-Writing I Would Burn It." Journal of the Early Republic, 34 (2), 219-242.
