Leadership

They wanted him to be king.

Massive national problems were the cause of the request. Their food was rationed to starving levels; they had to work with only the promise of pitiful pay; they were without medicine or proper medical care; they didn’t have proper clothes or blankets to protect them from the elements. Because of a weak Congress and uncooperative States, mounting national debt and run-away inflation were overwhelming.

Their only hope was in him, for he was a proven great leader. He understood them and their problems. Surely, as king, he would force changes to solve these monumental problems.

But George Washington would have none of it. He viewed such ideas “with abhorrence.” He described monarchical ideas as “big with the greatest mischiefs that can befall my country.”

His chastisement to those king seekers continued: “If you have any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, … banish these thoughts from your mind, and never communicate, as from yourself or anyone else, a sentiment of the like nature.”

Washington knew that the solution to their very real, heart-breaking, and troubling problems must come in a “constitutional way.” But why? Why was it so important to rely on a constitution for the people to solve societal problems?

Washington and the other Founders had lived under a monarchy and were well read in the history of monarchies. They knew that all monarchies treat people the same – as their property without natural rights, to be treated by whim, and as “subjects” without any equality before the law.

But Washington knew that given the nature of a corruptible monarchical government, a written constitution would give equality before the law and protect the equality of rights for all its citizens. Thus, people – protected by a written constitution – will solve problems with intelligence and heart.

Therefore, in the words of Washington: “Let us have one [a constitution] by which our lives, liberties, and properties will be secured.” In addition, he said to make it “a standard to which the wise and the honest can repair.”

Consequently, Washington knew what guided his leadership method. “The Constitution of the United States, and the laws made under it, must mark the line of my official conduct.” As president, his method of leading “has uniformly been to overlook all personal, local, and partial considerations; to contemplate the United States as one great whole; … and to consult only the substantial and permanent interests of our country.”

No king ever showed such leadership. And to further separate him from kingship, Washington spoke against “employing influence. … Influence is no government.”

Given his understanding of kings, Washington warned: “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence – it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” Therefore, be careful of creating kings!

Undoubtedly, President George Washington would be appalled by any US president who would try to influence everything – from what we eat to what we drive, from where (and when) to see a doctor to where the next Olympic games should be held – that is, everything except for the Constitutional security of “our lives, liberties, and properties.”

Without question, he would be mortified, horrified, and disgusted to watch a “Pledge” video of anyone, and especially anyone with influence such as celebrities, which ends with this promise, “I pledge to be a servant to our President.” (Actual video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51kAw4OTlA0)

Was this the kind of leadership shown by George Washington? No. Understanding that “this Constitution is really … a government of the people” he claimed his role was “a servant of the public.” Not the other way around.

In contrast, kings demand, arbitrarily change or ignore laws for their own use, and influence inappropriately.

To counter today’s culture demise, the Republic Academy was founded to educate its students in the 3 Ls that helped to establish the United States: Learning, Liberty, Leadership. By gaining a correct understanding of the character of the great leaders who were the founders of this country, today’s students will become tomorrow’s true leaders.


Republic Academy offers classes for K-12, tutoring for all ages, and homeschool coaching. Please see our website at www.RepublicAcademy.com or contact Terri at 580-736-0100.