Political Quotes

“ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans and guests, on September 19, 1796, President George Washington published an open letter to the American people. The immediate purpose of this message was to notify his fellow citizens that he would not seek a third term as President. Beyond that, George Washington chose the occasion to provide profound parting advice to his countrymen. In what has become known as George Washington's acclaimed Farewell Address, our first President gave advice and counsel regarding a wide range of issues: foreign policy, accumulation of debt, excessive partisanship, the separation of powers, and the role of religion and morality in public life. Of course, this was not the first time President Washington had let go of power. Just down the hall from where I stand right now, in the Capitol Rotunda, hangs a painting by John Trumbull. It depicts George Washington resigning from his commission as general of the Continental Army. This took place on December 23, 1783. In the painting, General Washington is dressed in full military garb. He is an image of strength and commanding presence. He had led a small army to victory against a powerful empire. If he had wanted to, the American people, no doubt, would have given him power for life. Instead, the painting shows Washington with a hand outstretched, giving his resignation letter to the Continental Congress, relinquishing power. Almost 250 years later, Trumbull's painting remains in the Rotunda.…”