Why George Washington Wouldn't Vote In Modern-Day America

This Is Part Of What George Washington Had To Say About Political Parties In His 1796 Farewell Address:

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.

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Washington%27s_Farewell_Address#20

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[MrObenauer]

@manhatin, just wanted to say that I really appreciate this video, and that I personally believe that the current state of U.S. affairs is the result of party politics.

[manhatin]

@MrObenauer

Welcome to the No Party party.

[MrObenauer]

@manhatin, Thanks, but I've been there for some time, ever since I found out about Washington's Farewell Address, I have to say that Washington's presidency was by no means perfect, but he was dead right on party politics leading to despotism, and that each candidate should be judged for the office specifically on their own merits and flaws. Washington and all the other founders would be holding another Continental Congress or more, manhatin who would you consider voting for?

[manhatin]

@MrObenauer

Our society conditions us to "take sides" on everything from toothpaste to presidents. If you want to break that mold, you have to actually learn how to judge things on their merit, not their packaging. Me ? I'd vote for the candidate that seemed like they cared more about this country than they did for themselves. That's the easier part, the hard part is seeing if they can survive the sludge pond that is national politics that every candidate seems to gets sucked down into.

[manhatin]

Dragonkickn , There is doubt about Washington ever saying the "I cannot tell a lie" line. You have to admit that Washington's idea that political parties are motivated by revenge against their enemies is hard to argue with.

[manhatin]

ScrOd3, Washington was right, especially about revenge motivating political parties.

[MrObenauer]

@manhatin Thanks for the advice and I respect your response. I think this candidate you speak of exists, but I could be wrong. I really appreciate you answering my question and as I've said before I appreciate the video.

[abcjackob1]

ooooooooh shit it's Leo from Thats 70's Show!!!!!!!

[Dragonkickn]

Nice point. I've heard Washington say this before, and I agree somewhat, although I don't know how it's possible to legally regulate the creation or existence of a political party.

In response to your questions about his quote, what about "I cannot tell a lie."?

[Scr0d3]

great stuff, im canadian but admire washington. This should get out there, more americans need this.