ACLU, Meet Mr. Washington... Again

In a previous post, I highlighted portions of George Washington's inaugural presidential speech where his first act was to thank God for the graces bestowed on this country.

In Washington's farewell address in 1796 his main concern was the creation of political parties and that they would not represent everyone in the nation (funny, that seems to be accurate). But, he also mentioned the following. Again, highlights by me to make the point:

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men & citizens. The mere Politican, equally with the pious man ought to respect & to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private & public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the Oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure--And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion... reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

Interesting how accurate his words are over 200 years later... He states that religion and morality support this nation, that they are "Pillars of human happiness" and that no man could be called a patriot who works to subvert them. So, you can clearly see that organizations like the ACLU are not Patriots when they attempt to remove religion from the public discussion and the governmental process.

Washington warns us of the dangers of removing religious obligation from the Courts of Justice. He maintains that morality without religion is a flawed approach, for it is impossible to "expect the National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

I have often wondered how our founding fathers would now look upon the society for which they created. Reading their speeches, their thoughts, I can only imagine they would be appalled at our current state.

I can only imagine that they would surmise that their experiment in a democratic republic is nothing more than a complete failure.

Looking at the direction our nation is heading, I would be hard pressed to disagree.

All that being said, despite our current and numerous failings, we're still the greatest nation on the planet and we should actively work to repair our moral injuries before they weaken us beyond healing.