"If there was ever one person who was absolutely indispensable to the American Revolution and American independence, it was George Washington." Daniel Walker-Howe, Historian
May 27, 2015
By: Linda Case Gibbons
He turned a rag-tag group of men into a disciplined army.
He kept his troops together with sheer force of will and character.
When offered, he refused the title of king.
And he was unwavering in his belief in his countrymen and the American cause for freedom.
This was George Washington, a man so admired he was called the Father of His Country. So admired that he was chosen to lead the country in peacetime and in war.
But suppose he wasn't all these things? Suppose, instead, he had conducted himself the way a "Modern Day" politician would?
Let's see how that would play out.
PATRICK HENRY: Hi, George. They're getting together down in Philadelphia at Carpenter's Hall to discuss the problems the colonies are having with England. They'd like you to come as a representative from Virginia.
GEORGE: Thanks for the invite, Pat, but I don't think so. Besides I've been to Carpenter's Hall. Are you kidding? And in July? It's too hot!
PATRICK HENRY: This is big time stuff, George! This is the First Continental Congress! You've seen what England is doing to Boston. You know about the Intolerable Acts and whatnot. It's frightful! You have to meet with these people. (Substitute the head of NATO, Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Putin.)
GEORGE: Big deal! I don't have to do anything I don't want to do and I just don't feel like it. And really, what difference does it make? Besides, I'm thinking of going to play golf.
PATRICK HENRY: Golf?
Or,
The Marquis de Lafayette was barely 20 years-of-age when he felt compelled to join the fight for independence in the American Revolution. He proved to be an excellent military leader and soon became a close, lifelong friend of Washington's.
LAFAYETTE: It's Christmas, George, and there are some Hessians whooping it up over in Valley Forge, drinking, celebrating, the whole nine. It's the perfect time to take them off guard. Seize the initiative! It could be a win-win for the Revolution and would boost the spirits of the troops.
GEORGE: Yeah, Laf. Not now. Maybe later. It's snowing over there, isn't it? Don't we have to cross water? What is it, the Delaware? No way I'm doing that. And dude, I have better things to do! I'm working on my legacy. I can't be "working" when I'm working on my legacy!
LAFAYETTE: But aren't you the commander-in-chief? Isn't that your job?
GEORGE: Yeah, yeah. You don't get it, but it's all about the optics, Laf. Actually, maybe I will go down there. I could make it into a photo op. Maybe I'll make a speech on global warming...or cooling...whatever it is, instead. And make a note: When we become a country, I want federal control over that water, the Delaware, and heck, all of the nation's waterways, for that matter.
LAFAYETTE: What is "zeez" photo op? Mon Dieu, George. What a jerk you are!
Or, let's consider Martha Washington.
Mrs. Washington was known for raising money for the Continental Army and bringing blankets, food and warm clothing to the troops. While in the camps, she mended the socks and garments of the poorly clad soldiers and nursed the sick and dying.
But if she were a modern day First Lady, it might go a little differently.
GEORGE: Mrs. Washington, I'm heading over to Valley Forge. You coming along with those blankets?
MARTHA: Are you kidding, Mr. Washington? If someone were to see me, they'd think I was a servant instead of the first lady. Well I'm not first lady yet, but I will be. It happened to me just the other day in Target. Someone asked me to get something off the top shelf. I'm sure they thought I worked there! Get real, George. It's not about the country! It's all about me.
GEORGE: Target?
Or, on waging war.
GEORGE: Gates! Get in here!
GEN. GATES: Yes, sir?
GEORGE: I've been hearing that you've been shooting British soldiers. You know the rules of engagement, Gates! Don't shoot until you know they're going to shoot you. If you take them prisoner and if they're really dangerous, release them, and Gates, I want you to affect a "softer look." You're intimidating the Brits with your uniform. What are you trying to do? Win this war?
And finally.
GEORGE: Let me be clear here. I did not cut down that cherry tree! And now I need to get back to doing important work on behalf of the American people!
It isn't every man that Americans would want to designate as the Father of their country. But fate is funny that way, it changes lives in ways one could never imagine.
It gives us a man like George Washington, a talented and humble man, who persisted and dug down deep to do what needed to be done, because he believed in, and fought for, what was to become the United States of America.
And other times we are given leaders who are not transformed by fate, men who want to change America into something different.
When that happens, it's up to us to take things into our own hands and to find another George Washington.
Hold the line, America.