Franklin’s main point is one well worth considering in our own time: short-circuiting consequences can sometimes be charitable—it can also be foolish…simply throwing money at people and situations can sometimes be the worst way to address the problem, and ultimately do more harm than good.
Read More[T]he first Inaugural Address of our first President acknowledged, addressed, and supplicated God in the most reverent terms. Biblical concepts of God’s rule over the nations, His blessings for righteous behavior, and His continuing guidance of the new nation are emphatically asserted. It is undeniable that in his first great act as President, Washington intended to involve not just his countrymen, but God, in the event.
Read MoreWhile his religious views were not orthodox, they were nonetheless deeply formed by what he considered to be the proper meaning of the Bible, a book which he considered “the best book in the world.”
Read MoreMany are familiar with the Farewell Address of President George Washington. But fewer people are familiar with Washington’s first “farewell address,” namely the farewell he thought would be his final public one. I refer to his 1783 Circular to the State Governments…In general, while Washington gave his advice on specific policies, the Circular is full of admonition for Americans to recognize that they had been given a truly unique opportunity by God, and they best not waste it.
Read MoreFranklin believed that gratuitous welfare offered a powerful incentive to not work, and thus remain poor, rather than rise out of poverty…[He] knew there were only “Two D’s” to choose between: Dignity, or dependence.
Read More
