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To: George Frm Br00klyn Park
Here's an interesting follow-up on Charlie Reese's comment about George Washington's Farewell Address to the People of America. Until about ten years ago, that Address was read aloud in Congress every year on the anniversary of Washington's delivery of it to Congress in writing. (In Washington's day and long afterwards, Presidents never went to Congress to give any speeches. They submitted all communications in writing.)

But Washington's Farewell Address is chock-a-block with references to "strict obedience to the Constitution," avoidance of "entangling alliances with foreign nations," but most of all it has repeated references to "belief in God" and to the necessary connection between "religion and public morality." It seems that the majority of the Members of Congress in both Houses became embarrassed by the repeated reading of this Address -- whose principles they violate on a daily basis.

Republicans and Democrats alike were shamed by Washington's words, though the shame was generated by different passages for these two parties. So they quietly ended this tradition. Any Member of Congress could begin this tradition again, by reading the Address on "Special Orders" and inviting all other Members to attend, and take part if they wish. But even the "good guys" in Congress are frequently afraid to confront the "bad guys" because the "bad guys" are in the majority, and there are those Committee assignments, long-rolling favors, and other personal benefits to consider, doncha know?

Sad. But it is a bright spot to see Charlie Reese boldly stating his commitment to George Washington's ancient but still relevant principles.

Congressman Billybob

Click for latest column on UPI, "Incision Decision in the Senate" (Not yet on UPI wire, or FR.)

As the politician formerly known as Al Gore has said, Buy my book, "to Restore Trust in America"

3 posted on 01/01/2003 10:34:18 AM PST by Congressman Billybob
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To: Congressman Billybob
I seriously doubt that George Washington would be ushing for an isolationist foreign policy. Back in the days of Washington it took weeks to cross the oceans in a sailing vessel. But steamships cut the time down to days. Airplanes cut the time down to hours. An ICBM makes it across in less time than it takes for Domino's to deliver a pizza.

In essence, that part of his advice has been grossly outdated. Certainly Washington and Jefferson would not have sat on the sidelines while Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo were running amuck.
4 posted on 01/01/2003 11:40:36 AM PST by hchutch
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To: Congressman Billybob
I am surprised that Con. Ron Paul has not read Washington's Farewell into the Record. I just sent him your comment and a lnk to Reese. Paul and Reese may still have a few FRiends here.
5 posted on 01/01/2003 11:42:29 AM PST by larryjohnson
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