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In Washington’s day it took months to travel to places around the world.

Today it take mere hours.

As this reduction in time to get from one place to anther took place, the ability of those other places to impact us negatively increased.

Sure, in Washington’s day it wasn’t necessary to be involved globally. Today it is.

If Russia takes over Europe, that reduces Western influence globally. If China expands it’s control of South West Asia, it reduces Western influence globally.

If those expansions are allowed, the next steps will be South and Central America.

At what point do we wake up and realize that we have backed ourselves into a corner, where we have to retake major portions of the planet or die?

Washington was right in his day.

He would not be right with that outlook today.

The world is too damned small, and every bad thing is happening on our block now. The ramifications are immediate, and serious.

My first comment directed attention to Washington's understanding of human psychology. You have apparently ignored the fact that Washington's policy of respecting others values and not meddling in their internal affairs, was psychologically superior to the confused nation building lunacy of George W. Bush. And, indeed, specifically in our own psychological interests.

The vast improvement in travel time, that you cite is certainly a reason to continually upgrade our military equipment, etc.. It is not reason to try to Police other people's internal affairs.

The Washington/Jefferson foreign policy was never the least bit isolationist. It was simply one where we dealt fairly and respectfully with all peoples. If we did not get respect back? Well read the accounts of the Marine seizure and slaughter of the men on board a Barbary Cruiser, that meddled with our rights on the High Seas.

Modernize the hell out of our military. Work with other major powers to common purpose, where it is in our interest. Do not try to force our culture on anyone. If they like our example, well, Bless their hearts. But their heritage is theirs; ours is ours. Mutual respect works miracles; bullying only builds enduring resentment. Or go in any Irish Pub or a Pub in the Scottish Highlands; and inquire as to how their forebears enjoyed being Anglicized.

Washington’s often-quoted remark had to do with trade and commerce—to avoid entanglements that would prohibit moneymaking business endeavors. That was a concern then, more than it is now. He did not want the new nation to become isolated. The oceans were bigger then.