LETTER: Washington warned of what may be facing the nation now

To Ozaukee Press:

My complements to the editor. I don’t always agree with Ozaukee Press editorials, but they all seem very well researched and thoughtful. Thank you for responsible journalism.

For the consideration of your readers, I refer you to George Washington’s farewell address on Sept. 19, 1796 and his warning about the dangers associated with political parties in this excerpt:

“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.”

Thomas Holley

Port Washington