From an army of farmers that beat back a powerful empire, to a professional military, subject to the whims of a President with an over-sized ego. Deeply flawed he might have been, but George Washington respected the rule of law and set a wonderful precedent for how power is transferred peacefully. Will it take another revolution to unseat trump when he won't leave?
Thank you Elliot, Someone needs to post that segment of President George Washington's Speech in the Oval Office, The main office of every Cabinet Secretary as well as in the main chamber of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It wouldn't hurt to post it in the Supreme Court either.
I've already written to my two Senators (yours too) and to my Congressman requesting a group of Democrats read the Constitution on the floor, with different speakers reading one section of the seven Articles and 25 speakers reading each of the valid Amendments (18 and 21 cancel each other so no need to read). Maybe they should also read George Washington's and Dwight David Eisenhower's closing speeches too.
Flying at 30,000 feet, Elliott ? Somehow, since George Washington and now, we find ourselves with Donald Trump. And that is what we are trying to demonstrate today. But we are facing a duly constituted Army and the Marines and we don’t know if any of them have read Washington’s Farewell Address. Watching some of those troops at West Point and at Ft. Bragg I felt rather queasy with misgivings. And I am sure you did too.
Only You, The People. Having just returned from a week in the Rockies on a train with many of your fellow citizens, I sensed a heavy funk weighing on your nation. Leadership has failed you on both sides of the aisle. The media is misfiring, and money sloshes through your institutions like unchecked floodwaters. From the outside, it can feel like there's no way out. But there is.
On that train, the quiet consensus was this: the vote remains your greatest power. And that has led this Canadian to a firm conclusion—You, the People, are the solution. Yes, Elliot, you have reminded us of Washington’s way. And today, that path demands even more of you. Because you now face not only political dysfunction, but a loss of moral purpose. Assassinating elected officials is not resistance—it is cowardice, born of fear and futility. The burden is real. But so is your strength. The power remains—only with you.
Thank you Elliot. I just got home - less than an hour ago - from San Francisco's "No Kings" peaceful march (starting at Dolores Park) and peaceful assembly point (at Civic Center) one block away from where the United Nations was first convened. ... I was in Washington DC one week ago yesterday for the peaceful Veterans United for America Rally which was held on the National Mall. ... Both experiences gave me the good feeling of being around fellow citizens each giving each PERMISSION to act and to feel personal agency so vital, so fundamental to democracy. ... "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." ... From Don down here in "The Outside Lands" of SF
This parade is what used to be called excessive in the old days. Trying to build one's strength thru greed never works. This is a small man trying to make people believe he is strong which is just the opposite. Real military do not brag or show off as we used to say. They are respectful, kind and unassuming. I know as I come from people who served, my uncle and my dad. My ddad ended up being a paraplegic when he was in Germany during WW II and the only thing he could not do was walk. He always helped those less fortunate. He was a general contractor that built custom homes manny for veterans with special needs. He would drive to the next town to get day workers in the Black section of town. He would advance payment if they needed it and they always trusted him and never disrespected him. My uncle my dad's younger brother was career Army and did 3 tours of Viet Nam - voluntary - and ended career at the Pentagon. They named a gate after him at Ft Belvoir. His grave overlooks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier>
Ah, the irony of a parade meant to flex the might of democracy while trampling on its very principles. It’s like throwing a birthday party for the U.S. Army and forgetting to invite the Constitution. Washington’s ghost must be side-eyeing this spectacle from the beyond, muttering, 'I stepped down after two terms for this?' If only tanks could roll down Constitution Avenue carrying a little humility and a pocket-sized Bill of Rights. Now that would be a show worth watching
Once again Elliot your eloquent piece frames my thoughts of June 14, 2025 as to the original No King, President George Washington who lead the Continental Army of 1775. Hours before many of us took part in the demonstrations against the authoritarian actions of this administration, tragedy struck in Minnesota in the form of a political assassination of former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Melissa Horton and her husband. Despite this act of political terrorism, brave Minnesotans turned out in record numbers to demonstrate in the Capital of the state. We hope that the perpetrator of this political terrorism is soon apprehended and tried as a domestic terrorist.
An excellent expression of what our values need to be. Elliott is always thought-filled and to the point.
From an army of farmers that beat back a powerful empire, to a professional military, subject to the whims of a President with an over-sized ego. Deeply flawed he might have been, but George Washington respected the rule of law and set a wonderful precedent for how power is transferred peacefully. Will it take another revolution to unseat trump when he won't leave?
Thank you Elliot, Someone needs to post that segment of President George Washington's Speech in the Oval Office, The main office of every Cabinet Secretary as well as in the main chamber of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It wouldn't hurt to post it in the Supreme Court either.
I've already written to my two Senators (yours too) and to my Congressman requesting a group of Democrats read the Constitution on the floor, with different speakers reading one section of the seven Articles and 25 speakers reading each of the valid Amendments (18 and 21 cancel each other so no need to read). Maybe they should also read George Washington's and Dwight David Eisenhower's closing speeches too.
Flying at 30,000 feet, Elliott ? Somehow, since George Washington and now, we find ourselves with Donald Trump. And that is what we are trying to demonstrate today. But we are facing a duly constituted Army and the Marines and we don’t know if any of them have read Washington’s Farewell Address. Watching some of those troops at West Point and at Ft. Bragg I felt rather queasy with misgivings. And I am sure you did too.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Elliot...I will take your corny ideas everytime over the BS we are getting from Penn Ave.
Only You, The People. Having just returned from a week in the Rockies on a train with many of your fellow citizens, I sensed a heavy funk weighing on your nation. Leadership has failed you on both sides of the aisle. The media is misfiring, and money sloshes through your institutions like unchecked floodwaters. From the outside, it can feel like there's no way out. But there is.
On that train, the quiet consensus was this: the vote remains your greatest power. And that has led this Canadian to a firm conclusion—You, the People, are the solution. Yes, Elliot, you have reminded us of Washington’s way. And today, that path demands even more of you. Because you now face not only political dysfunction, but a loss of moral purpose. Assassinating elected officials is not resistance—it is cowardice, born of fear and futility. The burden is real. But so is your strength. The power remains—only with you.
Thank you Elliot. I just got home - less than an hour ago - from San Francisco's "No Kings" peaceful march (starting at Dolores Park) and peaceful assembly point (at Civic Center) one block away from where the United Nations was first convened. ... I was in Washington DC one week ago yesterday for the peaceful Veterans United for America Rally which was held on the National Mall. ... Both experiences gave me the good feeling of being around fellow citizens each giving each PERMISSION to act and to feel personal agency so vital, so fundamental to democracy. ... "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." ... From Don down here in "The Outside Lands" of SF
Thanks Elliot, You are appreciated.
What about that assinine man in Minnesota of all places?
Yes! We certainly have "a real despotism" at present. George Washington! Here is your living example of what we do not want!
Timely reminder of the history.
I read this to my grandchildren so they can better understand what is going on with trum[.
Militaristic ? This is the man at D-Day burial ground in France caldera’s soldiers suckers and losers. He is only TYRANT
Totally agree TYRANT is the perfect word to go with Facsist!
✔️
This parade is what used to be called excessive in the old days. Trying to build one's strength thru greed never works. This is a small man trying to make people believe he is strong which is just the opposite. Real military do not brag or show off as we used to say. They are respectful, kind and unassuming. I know as I come from people who served, my uncle and my dad. My ddad ended up being a paraplegic when he was in Germany during WW II and the only thing he could not do was walk. He always helped those less fortunate. He was a general contractor that built custom homes manny for veterans with special needs. He would drive to the next town to get day workers in the Black section of town. He would advance payment if they needed it and they always trusted him and never disrespected him. My uncle my dad's younger brother was career Army and did 3 tours of Viet Nam - voluntary - and ended career at the Pentagon. They named a gate after him at Ft Belvoir. His grave overlooks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier>
Ah, the irony of a parade meant to flex the might of democracy while trampling on its very principles. It’s like throwing a birthday party for the U.S. Army and forgetting to invite the Constitution. Washington’s ghost must be side-eyeing this spectacle from the beyond, muttering, 'I stepped down after two terms for this?' If only tanks could roll down Constitution Avenue carrying a little humility and a pocket-sized Bill of Rights. Now that would be a show worth watching
Once again Elliot your eloquent piece frames my thoughts of June 14, 2025 as to the original No King, President George Washington who lead the Continental Army of 1775. Hours before many of us took part in the demonstrations against the authoritarian actions of this administration, tragedy struck in Minnesota in the form of a political assassination of former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Melissa Horton and her husband. Despite this act of political terrorism, brave Minnesotans turned out in record numbers to demonstrate in the Capital of the state. We hope that the perpetrator of this political terrorism is soon apprehended and tried as a domestic terrorist.