Our founding father did this. This is why we will always have strength as Americans. We can walk away from conflict, chaos, and find peace in the earth.
In 1783, King George III asked an American painter what George Washington would do now that he had virtually won the war. The painter replied that the General intended to return to his farm in Virginia. The King was stunned. He reportedly said, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world."
Throughout history, victorious generals almost always seized the throne. From Caesar to Cromwell, military success usually meant political dictatorship. The concept of voluntarily walking away from absolute power was practically unheard of. But George Washington wasn't like other men.
By December 4, 1783, the British surrender at Yorktown was past, and peace was finally assured. Washington commanded a powerful, seasoned army that adored him. Conversely, many of his officers were unpaid and angry at the inefficient Congress. They had the guns, the manpower, and the loyalty to install a new monarch. He could have been King George I of America.
Instead, on this day in history, Washington walked into the Long Room at Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan. The room was filled with his most loyal officers—men like Henry Knox and Baron von Steuben—who had frozen with him at Valley Forge and bled with him for eight long years.
The atmosphere wasn't celebratory. It was heavy with inevitable separation. Washington, usually stoic and commercially reserved, poured a glass of wine and looked at his brothers-in-arms with visible emotion. "With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you," he said, his voice shaking. "I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." He didn't order them. He didn't demand their allegiance. He hugged them.
One by one, the hardened soldiers wept openly. Washington embraced each man in silence. There was no pomp, no ceremony, and no speeches about future conquests. It was just a quiet goodbye between warriors who had done the impossible. Immediately after leaving the tavern, Washington didn't march on Congress to demand payment or power. He rode to Annapolis, Maryland, resigned his commission, and went home to Mount Vernon to plant crops.
He did the impossible.
He refused the crown.
He trusted the people.
By stepping down, he ensured that the United States would be a republic ruled by laws, not a kingdom ruled by force. He proved that the military serves the people, not the other way around. It was the final, and perhaps greatest, victory of the Revolution.
The world watched in awe as the American Cincinnatus returned his sword to its sheath, proving that character is the strongest constitution of all."
#archaeohistories
When is this ever OK? Male to female; Female to male; Male to male; Female to female; Trans to trans; Gay to gay; Lesbian to lesbian; or any other identity someone defines as. I don’t care. Treat each human as a human. Not your minion/puppet (unless that is your vibe). Rude.
I want to take a moment to recognize the bravery of the woman who, when told to “get out of my fucking shot” CALMLY FACT-CHECKS HER BOSS on EVs and is presumably still alive? She deserves better and I hope she found it.
I want to take a moment to recognize the bravery of the woman who, when told to “get out of my fucking shot” CALMLY FACT-CHECKS HER BOSS on EVs and is presumably still alive? She deserves better and I hope she found it.
Louisville deserves judges who put public safety first. ⚖️ Thanks @terrymeiners@840WHAS for the chance to share why we launched Louisville Judges Watch https://t.co/wFM7Wh36Oq
I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season. I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there, disappointed isn’t a big enough word to describe how I am feeling. I want to thank everyone who had my back through all the uncertainty. This has been incredibly frustrating, but even in the bad, there is good. The way the fans continued to show up for me, and for the Fever, brought me so much joy and important perspective. I am so proud of how this team has only gotten stronger through adversity this year. Now it’s time to close out the season and claim our spot in the Playoffs🖤
I happened to be with you during moment of rest in an airport. Truth, I knew who you are, but also did not want to intrude on your space. Joy always comes in the morning, a new day gives us grace and I so look forward to your moments of peace giving.
Gonna keep staying loyal to @Delta. 9 out of 10 times -minimum- they deliver-
thank you so much - cheers to Janice and Micheli at the @DeltaSkyClub at JFK terminal 4- and then Carl on our last flight home- They all truly put an exclamation point on my last birthday of my 50’s.
Missed this yesterday: Kentucky’s Senate passed a resolution asking that the Capitol Annex snack stand be allowed to make fried bologna sandwiches again.
#KYGA25
Last week I got Rick @higginsbutchers to do me a porchetta stuffed with Italian sausage. Cooked it over the weekend and OMFG was it sensational! Crackling was off the charts.
Liam from Doolin Ferry was on @ClareFM to chat about his new custom-built ship. Curious about the price tag? Or how we’re planning to get her home from Turkey. Listen back for the inside scoop!
https://t.co/riguKKWc93
#aranislandsferry#doolinferry