Jewish Group
Related: About this forumGeorge Washington and his Letter to the Jews of Newport
The original of Washingtons Letter to the Hebrew Congregations of Newport, Rhode Island is small in size, but its impact on American life is immense. In 340 well-chosen words, the Letter reassures those who had fled religious tyranny that life in their new nation would be different, that religious toleration would give way to religious liberty, and that the government would not interfere with individuals in matters of conscience and belief. Quoting the Bibles Old Testament, Washington writes,
every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. . .
'While I received with much satisfaction your address replete with expressions of esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you that I shall always retain grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced on my visit to Newport from all classes of citizens.
The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security.
If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and happy people.
The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policya policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.
It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.
It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration and fervent wishes for my felicity.
May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitantswhile every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.
May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.
G. Washington
http://www.tourosynagogue.org/history-learning/gw-letter
calimary
(81,322 posts)Besides hidden in books where our so-called pResident will never even bother to look for you because he doesnt bother to read anything that isnt pre-fabricated, dumbed down, and on a TelePrompTer.
DFW
(54,409 posts)If such a text were to be put before him, his likely reaction would be, "What the hell does all that shit mean? Who writes like that anyway?"
And as concerns this part of Washington's letter: "....the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance......" Mitch McConnell's reaction would most likely be, "says who? what Bolshevik wrote that?"
The current Republican Senator from Mississippi looking to keep her seat in 2 days would probably say, she is there to prevent any government of the United States from ever adopting such a stance as this: "The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy."
Show today's Republicans the words of George Washington, and they'd claim them to have been written by some "soshalist" who was a traitor to America. Tell them that said "traitor" was George Washington, and they are guaranteed not to believe you.
SWBTATTReg
(22,143 posts)behind exceptional Americanism! Take care.
catrose
(5,068 posts)Fatemah2774
(245 posts)When shown an example of American Exceptionalism they cry Marxists! Libturds! Socialism! And when told this is from George Washington or any of the myriad Founding Fathers they know or should know, they decry, fake news! and Alex Jones is legitimate.
mucifer
(23,553 posts)He was respectful to us. But, don't forget he made life absolute hell for many innocent people. His beautiful words of liberty are wonderful for us yet very hypocritical for those he enslaved who it seems he didn't consider human.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)Yet, he and Jefferson were products of their times. Each man both a visionary and holding one foot in the past. Both were great inspiring leaders, but men who were flawed as all we are.
mucifer
(23,553 posts)an acceptable answer? I do see what you are saying. I just feel strongly about what happened and how many innocent people suffered for hundreds of years.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)I certainly don't believe that what happened to the African-American Slaves was acceptable to any degree, it was horrific and wrong. It was and is a stain on our history and upon all those involved without any doubt. We however, did not live in those days and I will not completely dismiss that times were different. The world has changed, grown to be a better place in many ways and those things often require slow half steps of good men and women progressing from what they have always known to be proper to a new hopefully better vision. In doing so we need to remember both the good, the bad and the humanness of those people who made the steps to lead. Were they perfect, NO, Did they fail in many ways, Yes. Are we better off for them having been at the right spot at the right time, I believe that we are.
If you disagree with me, that is your right and privilege. I respect your opinion, but I will not be changing mine.
druidity33
(6,446 posts)a novel of historical fiction called The General's Cook by Ramin Ganeshram. Well written and insightful...
K&R
keithbvadu2
(36,829 posts)Unlike Trump's Nazis marching in Charlottesville yelling out their hatred and threats to Jews.