When I heard of Pope Benedict's resignation, one thing that came to mind is . what King George III said about George Washington.
When King George III of England heard that Washington had willingly relinquished power after the war, he said, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”\
When I googled to find out the exact quote, I came across this article about Washington by the historian Peter Lilliback
In these politically correct times, George Washington isn’t the hero he once was.
Children don’t read about him in school as much as their parents did. They’re much more likely to learn about African-American, Native American or female heroes.
New Jersey, in fact, issued new history standards a few years ago that omitted any mention of Washington.
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Washington’s stature has diminished so much that a recent Washington College Poll found that Americans had a higher respect for Bill Clinton’s job performance as president than they did for George Washington’s.
What Maj. Gen. Henry Lee said at Washington’s funeral
First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere; uniform, dignified and commanding, his example was edifying to all around him, as were the effects of that example lasting.”
He may have been, in today's terms the most politically incorrect president we've ever had. Is that why the greatness of the man is no longer taught?
The Backside of Mt Rushmore from Miss Cellania
Freedom of Speech
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
Guns
The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.
Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth.
Government
The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.
It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.
Debt
To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.
As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is, to use it as sparingly as possible; avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts, which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen, which we ourselves ought to bear.
Happiness
Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.
It is the peculiar boast of our country, that her happiness is alone dependent on the collective wisdom and virtue of her citizens, and rests not on the exertions of any individual
Swearing
The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.
Peace
To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.
Slavery
I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.
Bureaucracy
My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty… it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.
Conscience
Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.
The Constitution
The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.
Honesty
I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.
I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy.
His Mother
My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.Posted by Jill Fallon at February 18, 2013 10:37 AM | Permalink