• This is a political forum that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats every person's position on topics equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's politics, many ideas are split between and even within all the political parties. Often we find ourselves agreeing on one platform but some topics break our mold. We are here to discuss them in a civil political debate. If this is your first visit to our political forums, be sure to check out the RULES. Registering for debate politics is necessary before posting. Register today to participate - it's free!

Washington's Farewell Speech: Since He Asked...

What if...?

DP Veteran
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
38,119
Reaction score
15,771
Gender
Male
Political Leaning
Other
I recently read an abridged version of Washington's farewell speech, which dealt with only his views on political parties. I intended to look up the full address ( which was never a speech but was distributed to newspapers), but didn't get around to it until today.

And seein' how relevant it is to so many threads here recently I thought I'd do as the man asked here and point everybody at his parting words.

Here is a link to a nice "translation" of the address, that does a pretty good job of conveying the spirit without the weird writing style, and includes a link to the original text:

Washington's Farewell Address Translated into Everyday Speech « xkcd

I'm sure this has been discussed here before, but its the first time I've read the entire thing and he does ask....:2wave:

So what does everybody think about this?

I find it better than anything by Nostradamus!

Kinda sad commentary on our present state though...:2wave:
 
"****. I know ****'s bad right now, with all that starving bull****, and the dust storms, and we are running out of french fries and burrito coverings. But I got a solution."
 
"****. I know ****'s bad right now, with all that starving bull****, and the dust storms, and we are running out of french fries and burrito coverings. But I got a solution."

"Idiocracy", right?

But I don't get your point.

I thought the "translation" was funny and pretty close to the spirit.

And a lot easier to read.

I hope you don't think I was being disrespectful.:2wave:
 
Last edited:
"Idiocracy", right?

But I don't get your point.

I thought the "translation" was funny and pretty close to the spirit.

And a lot easier to read.

I hope you don't think I was being disrespectful.:2wave:

Yeah, that quote's from "Idiocracy." No, I don't think you were being disrespectful - it's just that re-imagining reminded me of that.

I liked the re-imagining. It had a lot of good points, such as how we need to be less divisive and be more willing to work together. But when it came to realpolitick, Washington was extremely naive politically.

Washington's administration had the benefits that our government was quite new, we were just starting, and the American people were still relatively united against enemies in Europe who targeted North America for imperialist ventures. But things have also changed quite a lot since then too, and we need to be pragmatic when it comes to our policies.
 
Yeah, that quote's from "Idiocracy." No, I don't think you were being disrespectful - it's just that re-imagining reminded me of that.

I liked the re-imagining. It had a lot of good points, such as how we need to be less divisive and be more willing to work together. But when it came to realpolitick, Washington was extremely naive politically.

Washington's administration had the benefits that our government was quite new, we were just starting, and the American people were still relatively united against enemies in Europe who targeted North America for imperialist ventures. But things have also changed quite a lot since then too, and we need to be pragmatic when it comes to our policies.

Policies yes, principles no.

Avalon Project - Washington's Farewell Address 1796
 
Last edited:
Yeah, that quote's from "Idiocracy." No, I don't think you were being disrespectful - it's just that re-imagining reminded me of that.

I liked the re-imagining. It had a lot of good points, such as how we need to be less divisive and be more willing to work together. But when it came to realpolitick, Washington was extremely naive politically.

Washington's administration had the benefits that our government was quite new, we were just starting, and the American people were still relatively united against enemies in Europe who targeted North America for imperialist ventures. But things have also changed quite a lot since then too, and we need to be pragmatic when it comes to our policies.

Cool. I was worried I blew the OP!

I had actually read, and re-read, and re-read the original address as is often necessary for me reading this period. The run on sentences (a personal vice), often leave me with a WTF? moment until I read a second time.

Then I stumbled on the link above and was delighted that I recognized each paragraph. Enough so that I didn't quite agree with the translation in a couple places.

Anyway, I was blown away by the accuracy of his warnings of the consequences of parties, alliances, etc., his foresight of our current divisiveness.

That parties by nature drive us apart

Drive us to start each position so far to one side that the middle can't buy it, just to have hope of a victory pulling the country a little bit more left or right.

Whipsawing us back and forth, with no one apparently looking for a true compromise outcome. One that realistically reflects the rational interests of all in the fairest way possible.

Seems pretty accurate.

I was really impressed with the whole limit your alliances/enmities because they can trap you in a box, and even provide an opening for deceivers to lead a nation astray.

It was really a little heavy for me, left me feeling like I was letting the guy down. Twanged my patriot nerve by LONG distance.

I do like the "Get over yourselves and figure out how to fix it and do it" message.

And I'm enjoying the debate climate here lately, so thought I'd throw it up.:2wave:
 
thanks it was interesting, but is there an original?

I recently read an abridged version of Washington's farewell speech, which dealt with only his views on political parties. I intended to look up the full address ( which was never a speech but was distributed to newspapers), but didn't get around to it until today.

And seein' how relevant it is to so many threads here recently I thought I'd do as the man asked here and point everybody at his parting words.

Here is a link to a nice "translation" of the address, that does a pretty good job of conveying the spirit without the weird writing style, and includes a link to the original text:

Washington's Farewell Address Translated into Everyday Speech « xkcd

I'm sure this has been discussed here before, but its the first time I've read the entire thing and he does ask....:2wave:

So what does everybody think about this?

I find it better than anything by Nostradamus!

Kinda sad commentary on our present state though...:2wave:
 
Back
Top Bottom