The Lesson of Cincinnatus and George Washington

America 101 ^ | SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2018 | Staff

[LuciusDomitiusAutelian]

You have to go back to 458 B.C. to find the legendary Roman leader who inspired the greatest act of America’s first president. Baltimore’s Washington Monument, located in the city’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, is less famous than its Washington D.C. counterpart. But it’s arguably more interesting.

The Monument is a 180-foot tower with a 15-foot George Washington statue on top. But Washington isn’t depicted in his military uniform. Instead, he’s dressed in a Roman toga, and he’s laying down a scroll he holds in his hand. Why a toga instead of a tri-cornered hat? The artist knew the story of Cincinnatus, and its connection to Washington.

[LuciusDomitiusAutelian]

Cincinnatus was supposedly our first POUTS' role model. It is possible that Cincinnatus may be mythology, but the Greatest POTUS in my country's history was greatly inspired by him.

[hinckley buzzard]

He appears to have been a real historical figure, born under Tarquinius and came of age in the early days of the Roman Republic.

[Starboard]

But Cincinnatus held firm. He said no to absolute power. He said that Rome is a republic, and in a republic we follow laws.

**************

Since we no longer follow laws our status as a republic is dubious.

[RatRipper]

Years ago I was in Baltimore on business. A local took me out to eat and we were riding around seeing some of the sights of the city. We rode past that statue of Washington, which depicts him as holding his hand at an angle down below his waist (as I recall; I only saw it once over thirty years ago). As we got to the side of the statue, the local said, “If you will look now, you will see why Washington is called ‘the father of our country’”. It was very easy to see what he was talking about . . . use your imagination a little bit with his hand.

[NonValueAdded]

The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list.

George Washington ping

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Recessional of the Sons of the American Revolution:

“Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our
forefathers who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights,
an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men.”

Dr. Benjamin Franklin, when asked if we had a republic or a monarchy, replied "A Republic, if you can keep it."
Were we ever as close to losing it as we are now?

[Captain Jack Aubrey]

The Great Man is depicted in his general’s uniform, with epaulets. However, he is wearing a toga over the uniform.

[Captain Jack Aubrey]

[Loud Mime]

Bump

[LuciusDomitiusAutelian]

Nicest damn thing I’ve seen in Baltimore. Thanks for the pic. I’m surprised the Bolsheviks haven’t torn it down yet.

[Captain Jack Aubrey]

It is interesting that it looks nothing like Washington from the front. But from below it does look like him. I think the sculptor did the head and face in a perspective that would make it look correct from below.

[Captain Jack Aubrey]

[the OlLine Rebel]

Yes I’ve never seen a close-up of it!

Looks more like Jackson!

[the OlLine Rebel]

He’s too high for the scum to reach it yet. They’ll find a crane, though.

Actually there are (and definitely WERE) many nice things in Baltimore. It was called the Monumental City, incidentally. Should be surprised only the recent simple Columbus statue was torn down (although many have “officially” been removed and many more vandalized since the ‘15 riots).

[Jane Long]

Thanks for the ping!

[LuciusDomitiusAutelian]

Last time I was in Baltimore was in 1979. Took the DC Metro up to Baltimore. So, given it has been a long time. Every place has its redeeming qualities. Now Maryland as a state is still beautiful. I love driving from Norfolk on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel/bridge to Maryland. And I’ve met some really attractive ladies from Maryland.

[Bratch]

That Time a Farmer was Given Ultimate Power Twice and Changed the World By Walking Away Both Times

(YouTube video | Length - 12:11)

[LuciusDomitiusAutelian]

Thanks Bratch!

[Bratch]

I just watched that the other day.

When I saw the title I thought he was talking about General Washington. I wasn’t familiar with Cincinnatus until I watched the video.

Fascinating fellow.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Can’t take the Metro up to Balto, and in ‘79 that system only just opened. ;-). Maybe they had train service then from a Metro stop otero you just plain took it from Union.

The tunnel/bridge in VA only does VA. MAybe you meant you continued on up to MD?

Anyway every place once had greatness. Then the ‘60s happened and no city of demographic has ever been the same.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Belvedere (hotel originally) in the background. Where we had our wedding reception.

To the left, the circle is the ugly modern Meyerhoff Symphony.