2008 Woodie Awards
The View From Here
I'm going to vote for Bush, and so are you...and so would George Washington.
Neill Herbert
Date created: 10/25/04 Section: OPINION
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In my view, the most disturbing moment in "Fahrenheit 9/11" did not involve American soldiers mistreating Iraqis or politicians hiding shady business deals or distraught Middle Eastern women screaming about Allah wiping out America. The most disturbing moment centered around a disillusioned soldier as he renounced his Republican Party ideals and pledged his loyalty to the Democratic Party.
As if that was the answer.
But is there an answer? History frequently has a way of painting an accurate view of the future. I am convinced that one of the best classes any student can take is history. Maybe I say that because I like history. Or maybe I'm just scared to repeat it. Probably both.
Either way, my U.S. history professor here at Skyline has a knack for asking questions like, "What would George Washington say about [insert current political/social/personal issue here]?" Coming up with an answer is an interesting exercise, even though it is based on imagination viewed through the dark, distorted stained glass of opinion and assumption. So let's try one.
What would George Washington say about the Republican and Democratic parties?
From his farewell address in 1800: "[Avoid] the baneful effects of the spirit of party."
Thank you for your input, Mr. President. However, this is my column, not yours. So, what would I say about Republicans and Democrats?
"Avoid the bad stuff that can happen when you pledge your loyalty to a political party."
Oops. Looks like I just repeated history.
At least I can take a little comfort in the fact that I am not the first to do so. After all, a few short months after Washington gave his advice to the young nation, the government was already sharply divided between two distinct political parties that spent their time fighting over alliances with Britain and conflicts with France.
Evidently, some things never change.
But every now and then, someone does come along and try to change things.
As if that was the answer.
But is there an answer? History frequently has a way of painting an accurate view of the future. I am convinced that one of the best classes any student can take is history. Maybe I say that because I like history. Or maybe I'm just scared to repeat it. Probably both.
Either way, my U.S. history professor here at Skyline has a knack for asking questions like, "What would George Washington say about [insert current political/social/personal issue here]?" Coming up with an answer is an interesting exercise, even though it is based on imagination viewed through the dark, distorted stained glass of opinion and assumption. So let's try one.
What would George Washington say about the Republican and Democratic parties?
From his farewell address in 1800: "[Avoid] the baneful effects of the spirit of party."
Thank you for your input, Mr. President. However, this is my column, not yours. So, what would I say about Republicans and Democrats?
"Avoid the bad stuff that can happen when you pledge your loyalty to a political party."
Oops. Looks like I just repeated history.
At least I can take a little comfort in the fact that I am not the first to do so. After all, a few short months after Washington gave his advice to the young nation, the government was already sharply divided between two distinct political parties that spent their time fighting over alliances with Britain and conflicts with France.
Evidently, some things never change.
But every now and then, someone does come along and try to change things.
