They call George Washington the “Father of Our Country” for good reason. As a general, he led the American Colonist Army to victory over Great Britain in the Revolutionary War (1775–1783).

He then set a precedent by saying he would not rule as a king but as a President. He led this country in those first precarious formative years, but refused a third term and retired.

I heard a politician in recent years say that Washington was not a man of great intelligence.

I don’t remember who it was, but “a pox on him.”

Washington’s farewell address proves that Washington was an intelligent man with great vision. I read through his farewell address this past week and was struck by what he said about the new nation and the dangers it would face if they followed the example of previous governments.

I thought of the government and citizens as they are today and saw the very things about which he warned causing dissention and trouble.

Washington is quoted that he had no fear for the new government as long as there was a free press. This principle is repeated over and over by wise patriots like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Lincoln, Chief Justice Black, the Roosevelts — a list that is too long to list and yet, today much public business is unseen by the public.

He warns against breaking up into political parties or groups that will work for the good of their party rather than the good of the nation.

He spoke at length about unity, emphasizing that they were all of one nation, a goal they should never allow to weaken. He was very strongly against any foreign entanglements, saying, “Foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes to Republican government.”

He warned against debt.

Look at our economy today. This barely touches the wisdom, forethought and patriotism of the Father of our Country. I wish every elected person would read and digest all Washington said in his farewell address and remember that “Father Knows Best.”