A Syllogism for Woodrow Wilson

“In visiting the sick, do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein.” 

-George Washington, Rules of Civility

Although I am tempted to comment directly upon our union’s current foreign policy concerns (i.e. quagmires, indecisions, addictions), my extreme wariness of topicality and relevance prevents me.

Instead, I intend to offer a short, inductive syllogism.

Premise A

1) In his farewell address, George Washington, our first president (in case there are any members of Congress among my readers), encouraged the various States and regions of the Union to recognize the fact of their union as paramount to the safety and prosperity of its members, ignoring those who would advocate separation or some alternative means of alliance (e.g. abandoning the Constitution)

2) See Shelby Foote’s The Civil War: A Narrative, volumes 1-3

Premise B

1) In the same address, Washington encouraged Americans to think and vote according to virtue and prudence, avoiding the “spirit of party” which always threatens the well-being and independence of a free people.

2) See the presidential elections of 1800, 1828, 1876, 1944… just take your pick.

Conclusion

It might be profitable for us to pay attention to this particular man and this particular document.

Epilogue

Another warning issued by Washington on the occasion of his refusal to run for a third term: avoid foreign entanglements. To wit–

“Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.”