The Founding Fathers–if you put them on a graph, the line would run from Hamilton on one end to Patrick Henry on the other–disagreed ferociously on the role and power of the central government. The one thing they all agreed on, however, was their fear and disdain for demagogues and men on horseback. They were all familiar with classical history, and they knew the type. They figured that the system they were creating would one day be tested by someone like Donald Trump.
The latest issue of The Atlantic features a Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington. I can’t stop staring at it, because it is a truly remarkable face. I can imagine it asking me if I’m ready to do what’s necessary to preserve the government he did so much to create. Are we about him let him down? Are we so weak and subservient that we need “protection” from a man who is only running to keep himself out of jail and to force the half of the country that hates him to kiss his ring?
I will do my part on Tuesday. I hope you will do the same.