President George Washington

The General in the Continental Army that brought the Thirteen Colonies freedom and independence from England, First President of the United States, and farmer of hemp, wheat and tobacco, George Washington was born on this date in the year 1732. A courageous, bold, strong leader who, begrudgingly, took the reins of a brand new Nation that he did so much to create.

You can read Washington's speeches here. The Farewell Address is my favorite.

There are more experienced authors and historians from which you can read about the life, times and words of George Washington. I'll leave the research on this larger than life First President of the United States up to you.

Happy Birthday George Washington!

Washington On Dissent:
"If men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments on a matter which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences that can invite the consideration of mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."
From Washington's address to officers of the Army (15 March 1783)

On Parties, to which he was not affiliated:
"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty."
From Washington's Farewell Address

On the public:
"Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened."
From Washington's Farewell Address