Presidents LAD/BLog #8: Washington's Farewell Address

Summary:
When Washington retired from office, he made it very clear that he was doing it for the good of the country and that he thought it was time for a new leader to stand up and take his place.  He explained how he always felt supported by the people, and how he hoped that he would still have that even when he left office.  Washington believed that he changed America's government for the better, by making it stronger and organizing its administration.  He proved himself true to his country, and wanted to ensure that he was leaving it in good hands.  One of his biggest points in this address is to remain true to the Constitution and the foundations of government that America built.  Also, Washington stressed the importance of good moral character for the survival of the country.  At the same time, he talked about how the presence of evil is completely natural, but still has to be faced and overcome.  Additionally, the former President mentioned how he believed in being involved politically with outside influences (countries) as little as possible to avoid conflict, but also in maintaining their already made contracts and such to show good faith.  The address, as a whole, is very straightforward, wise, and patriotic.

Warnings:

1.  Washington warned the country to let unity and experience solve its problems.  He knew that being united in the past helped the country to survive, so he thought it best to warn the people to learn from their past and move forward with intelligence.  Washington passed on his wisdom of knowing that his country had a greater chance of survival and growth as long as it stayed united.

2.  Further, Washington warned his country to stay true to the government that he and the other founding fathers worked hard to build and establish.  He reminded everyone that this was the form of government they had decided on, and that he was convinced the government was without flaws.  Therefore, he wanted everyone (especially those involved in politics) to be sensible and remember that the government's power came from the people, not just a single leader.

3. Finally, Washington warned the people to "cherish public credit."  He knew that the country could potentially be doomed if a heavy sum of debt was somehow acquired.  Washington warned his country to preserve public credit by using it as little as possible, for this would ensure that debt was avoided (if debt was acquired, it would lead them down the same road to taxes and rebellions that the country previously faced with Britain).

Harry Truman's farewell to the Oval Office was quite similar to Washington's farewell address.  Both Presidents shared valuable information with America, by reflecting on choices they made during their term, and also by predicting what was to come and how the country should handle it.  For example, Truman talked about his decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, while Washington talked about how he worked very hard to build the democracy that still stands in American today.