Lynch Pen: Future foretold 216 years ago

— Prior to his decision to not seek re-election, “The Father of our country,” George Washington, was dealing with the effect of his decision on our young nation. He apparently sought advice from many sources, individuals, as well as direction from God through prayer. He composed his farewell address and it is reported that he never delivered it orally but that it came out in published form. This appears to have been in September of 1796. Please note that was 216 years ago.

Until recently I had never read the full manuscript although, I had heard comments concerning certain points that an individual might be stressing in a discussion. This letter to all Americans, which is over 200 years of age, foretold some of the conditions that we are dealing with as a nation. It very well could be considered a warning or a prophecy depending on your interpretation. You can read it at www.ourdocuments.gov or Google “Archiving Early America” and obtain a copy of the 51 paragraph document identified by paragraph number in this article.

With all the money being devoted to our current presidential campaign for the candidates of both theDemocrats and Republicans, it is interesting to consider the concern of George Washington about the future of our then young nation. The hundreds of millions of dollars being raised each month are devoted to acquiring votes by omissions and misrepresentations by the parties. I believe, based on his comments in paragraph 15 of his letter, that he would have much to say about our nation’s condition today. The Healthcare Bill deemed “Obama Care” has some good features and contains some very serious, as yet un-clarified issues.

However, to have a former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal.) say “pass it and then we will find out what is in it” speaks volumes about political power and “shove it down their throats” Washington mentality.

If you read George Washington’s letter, you find his views in paragraph 15 relate to regional misunderstanding concerning a treaty with Spain. His concern had to do with the method the parties used togain passage. Not much has changed today. We are all still human and personal gain too frequently overrides the decision that best benefits the nation as a whole. Regional issues still exist, but the overriding source of our problems come from political parties. The search for power is too dependent on the flow of money to discredit the other party’s principals and its candidate. The battle at the Democratic Party’s convention over including references to God in the party’s platform illustrates how an issue can be so divisive even within the wording of our views and purposes.

If I read paragraph 23 of the farewell address correctly, George Washington’s concerns grow out of concern for regional parties and does not refer to our political parties as we know them today. Never the less, in this paragraph, he writes as follows: “ ... the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.” Note his emphasis on “a wise people.”

When the two major political parties can raise nearly a quarter of a billion dollars a month to discredit each other, it appears we have failed to heed GeorgeWashington’s caution. The sources of the campaign gifts identify the interests of the donors by profession and income. And neither party is spending my “contribution.”

Candidates today seem willing to promise almost anything without regard to whether it is realistic, possible or even healthy for our nation if it will provide victory at the polls.

Even though I identify my goals most closely to Mitt Romney’s, he isn’t giving me much confidence that he actually has a plan to produce results. President Obama seems content to promise more of the same thing we have seen for the last three and a half years.

If you haven’t read Washington’s farewell address, you might find it worthwhile in light of our nation’s political condition today. I wonder what he would do as president today - or even how he would vote if he had today’s choices.

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Editor’s note: Leo Lynch is an award-winning columnist. He is a native of Benton County has deep roots in northwest Arkansas. He is a retired industrial engineer and former Justice of the Peace. He can be contacted at prtnews@nwaonline.

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News, Pages 4 on 09/26/2012