I just finished reading this new book by Edward J. Larson. If you have any interest in US history especially the creation of our Constitution I highly recommend it. It offers a unique perspective on Washington, during the period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the Presidency, when he had removed himself from the national spotlight. Written in an entertaining yet informative style it presents a great deal of valuable information in a highly readable manner. Even those not interested in the life of Washington will benefit from the chapters covering the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the push to convince the states to ratify the document. I think most people are under the impression that the Constitution had widespread support. Actually there were numerous detractors (known at the time as anti-federalists) who strongly believed Congress and especially the Chief Executive were being given way too much power. While the vast majority of Americans admired George Washington and believed he would be a good leader of the new nation, one who would exercise his authority wisely and with restraint, many thought the Constitution as written would leave the door open to future tyranny. Following the first publication of the Constitution in September 1787, numerous editorials were published strongly criticizing the document as written. A quote from one particular editorial rings especially true today. In a letter published in the Independent Gazetteer in the fall of 1787, a writer calling himself An Old Whig wrote: While trusting Washington with the use of great power, if a future President should lack his virtue, moderation and love of liberty, this country will be involved at once in tyranny. That old Whig was right.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 00:22:35 +0000
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