What should we do today?
Monday, 18 February 2008 by Jacob TomawThe only thing The Tomaws are doing today to celebrate is a lot of petting. We call today George Washington Tomaw’s birthday; so the cat is very happy.
I don’t think most Americans do anything more than look at cars and mattresses today. So I ask, what should we do. What would be a fitting tribute to our first President? If we are to embrace the myth of a holiday for all presidents, what should we do to honor the institution?
Update: Zach points to Radley Balko. I think if we just remember this point it will be all the honor Washington would want.
It doesn’t take a great man to collect and wield power. All men do that, and always have. It takes a great man to resist the trappings of high office, and the urge to inflict his vision on everyone else. It’s strange how we celebrate our overthrow of the British monarchy each July, and regularly pat ourselves on the back for our system of checks and balances, yet then turn around and celebrate the men who have most behaved like tyrants, and done all in their might to circumvent the restrictions the Constitution puts on their powers.