On this fifth anniversary of war in Iraq, it is illuminating to give a backward glance to how this countries founding fathers would view our present entanglements. In his Farewell Address to the Nation, George Washington imparted a simple recipe for the preservation and continuing prosperity. His advice, at once direct and encompassing, is worth re-counting.
"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. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial, else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive aprtiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike for another cause those whom actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people to surrender their interests.
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