in principle

  From George Washingtons' farewell address to the nation " And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

George Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief of the continental army in 1783 after the treaty of Paris was signed. The revolutionary war was over, we had won our freedom. It became official when the paperwork was done. Five years later Washington would be elected to become our first president. He would go on to serve two terms. It was his decision to step down from the presidency, he established that as a tradition, only FDR didn't honor that tradition. In 1951 the 22nd amendment codified that tradition into law. George Washington delivered his farewell address to the nation to the American Daily Advertiser, a newspaper in Philadelphia. It was published in that paper on the 19th of September in 1796. That was two hundred and seventy-seven years ago today.

I have copied a portion of that speech and began this blog with that. Washington, in this passage, is talking about a national morality. Washington and indeed the majority of the founding fathers would be horrified at the state of our national morality today. Washington speaks of religious principle. He isn't advocating for any one religion, any denomination or sect, just stressing the importance of religious principle. All the major religions of the world share common principles. The number one principle being accountability for your choices. You will be held to account by a higher power than anything on this earth. It is that principle that should guide you and guide the nation. Religion doesn't define morality. Morality are the values and principles of conduct established within a society. That was understood by those writing the declaration of independence and the constitution. That alone was the very reason there was no "national" religion established nor any "religious test" required to hold office anywhere in the land. Still Washington pointed out a simple fact, maintaining national morality without religious principle is a slippery slope indeed. National morality can only be maintained by the people, by those we the people elect to fulfill those offices. In his elegant way of expressing his thoughts he points out that whatever you may concede to education (think trust the science) should not exclude religious principles.

What is our national morality? Having no moral compass, no conscience, simply calling every behavior acceptable in the name of inclusivity and diversity, isn't moral at all. In fact, it is just the opposite of moral behavior. The basis for morality is accepted standards of behavior. The lack of a standard does not indicate a moral position. Our national morality should be a reflection of the moral values, traditions and principles of the citizens. That isn't what I'm seeing today. What I'm seeing today is a representation of political power. Moral principle isn't the force driving legislation. And that is exactly what George Washington feared. It is as he said, national morality cannot prevail. That is the issue we face today. If we strip away all the distractions, all the petty side issues, all the finger pointing and blaming of the other party, the real issue is a moral one. We have to do the right thing, the moral thing. That includes establishing standards and adhering to those standards. We need to return to an understanding of consequence. We will all be held to account, personally held to account! The excuse everyone was doing it will not grant you amnesty. You will be held to account.