George Washington’s Farewell Address to the American People

©2009 drkate

Note: I am reposting this address as it was the topic of the Continental Congress 2009 discussion today.  Delegate after delegate were stunned to hear this address, as it seems Washington was predicting the calamity that has befallen the United States now.

Washington crossing the Delaware

In continued celebration of Constitution Day, September 17,  a focus on President George Washington’s Farewell Address to the American People seems both appropriate and timely.

Washington had stunned his colleagues by refusing to stand as a candidate for President as the United States prepared for its second Presidential election, explaining why it was necessary for him personally and for the growth of the young country. The spirit of liberty and the administration of a government based on these principles deeply motivated Washington:

The Last Legal War

©2009 drkate

The War Powers clause of the Constitution dictates that Congress, and Congress alone, shall have the power to declare war.  For it is the gravest decision a nation can ever make, and the Founders were fearful to place this power in the hands of an Executive.   By August of 1787, the entire Congress knew that the Constitution governs war; and that Congress would be the ultimate decision-maker in the decision to go to war.  Once in war, the Commander in Chief is indeed expected to properly prosecute and manage the war.

But for the last 50 years, unilateral presidential action has been taken to declare war, and the Congress has abdicated its responsibility to do so.  Both the Executive and the Legislative branch of government have violated the Constitution.

So the last legally-declared war was World War II, and even then we have a historical concern of the actual circumstances under which the United States joined World War II.