Washington’s warning ignored

George Washington’s Farewell Address asserts that, rather than for parties or regions, “A Government for the whole is indispensable,” and that those who represent the people should be “uninfluenced and unawed.” Washington also cautions about “unprincipled men (who) will … subvert the power of the people, and usurp for themselves … the government.” Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address articulates that we have a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Both Washington and Lincoln would be outraged that today nearly all members of both parties in Congress are concerned neither with what is best “for the whole” nor what is best for “the people.” Rather, they have “subvert(ed) the power of the people” and “usurp(ed) for themselves … the government.” Just check their salaries/raises, health and retirement plans, and perks. They’re concerned only with themselves and their re-election, and because they pander to all entities that finance their political campaigns, they’re influenced by lobbyists and special interests and awed by the very wealthy.

Regrettably, our government has mutated from one centered on “the people” into one “of the politicians, by the politicians, and for the politicians.” That is a clear and present danger to the freedom of all Americans.

William Mahaney

Spokane