Op-ed by Summer Lane | Photo: Alamy
There can be no doubt that President George Washington left an indelible mark on the freedom-fueled legacy of American history, rightfully earning him the title “Father of our Country.”
From his days as a cocky young military man during the French and Indian War to his time serving as the General and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the War for Independence, Washington brought a steady calm to the country even when the colonies were mired in violent chaos.
Great leaders often arise during difficult and trying periods of history that test the strength and integrity of good men and women. During the Revolutionary War and beyond, America turned to George Washington. During the Civil War, the country trusted in the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln.
And now, as the United States peers into the gaping abyss of encroaching federal tyranny, liberty-loving patriots are turning to President Donald J. Trump because they see in him an echo of our past leaders who led the way through some of America’s most stunning challenges.
Unprecedented times create unprecedented leaders
In the aftermath of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, then-civilian and billionaire Donald Trump wasted no time getting down to Ground Zero and doing everything he could to assist operations there. This is a fine example of a man who has always been willing to extend a helping hand to those around him and to provide a dependable and even-keeled leadership style amidst a crisis.
Like Washington, Trump came into the American political scene as an affluent businessman. Washington made his money as a land speculator and farmer. Trump made his money as a real estate developer. Both men chose to utilize their station in life as a pathway to serve their country rather than retreat into obscure retirement. Both men also faced incredible challenges.
Washington led an army against the reigning military superpower of his time. The British military was infinitely better equipped, armed, and trained when compared against the Continental Army. And yet, Washington utilized his prior knowledge of guerrilla warfare and capitalized on his unshakable confidence to slowly chip away at Britain’s stiff fighting style.
According to Mount Vernon, Washington actually lost more battles than he won, and he spent a great deal of time retreating in the face of superior British army forces. Despite these obstacles, Washington’s leadership eventually led the Continental Army to victory. The war ended in 1783, and Washington was destined to become America’s first president.
Although he was born two centuries later, Donald Trump has done what Washington did by utilizing his rich life experience to project strength and leadership across America. Trump’s history of dealing with the rough-and-tumble New York real estate business has proven to be a springboard to negotiating diplomatic deals as president and strongly blocking even the most aggressive attacks from the D.C. political aristocracy.
As president, he brokered the historic Abraham Accords, bringing peace to the Middle East. He brought the unfettered aggression of China, North Korea, and Russia to heel in a singular sweep, demonstrating to the world that calm and steady leadership breeds not only efficiency, but global respect.
Like Washington, Trump now faces incredible odds. The full might of the mainstream media, the Democrat political war machine, and the legal system has been aimed at this man from New York who changed the landscape of American politics forever when he jumped into the 2016 presidential race.
A heart for service
When President Washington left office in 1797, he hoped that this new and burgeoning Constitutional republic would not only survive but thrive. He noted, “Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty.”
Washington loved his country and his people. He sacrificed relentlessly in the pursuit of liberty, at one time declaring to Continental veterans who were disgruntled with the actions of Congress, “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray, but almost blind, in the service of my country.”
According to Hillsdale College, this singular statement ended a military ploy that would have forced Congress to provide money to soldiers who fought in the War for Independence. Washington’s comment reduced some to tears as they considered the true measure of their leader’s sacrifices throughout the war.
While America today is a starkly different place than it was in the 18th century, citizens who appreciate our hard-won freedoms recognize that President Trump is a man who has a deep and resounding love for his country.
During recent remarks made in South Dakota, Trump became visibly emotional while discussing the overwhelming decline of American strength and liberty under the Biden regime.
He stated, “Now, we are a nation in decline. We are a failing nation.”
He paused for a few moments, looking across the crowd and perhaps reflecting on the difficult challenges he has overcome and thinking ahead to the even greater challenges that still lay before him. He continued, “Like those patriots before us, we will not bend, we will not break, we will not yield, we will never give in, we will never give up and we will NEVER EVER BACK DOWN!”
Great courage and great men
It takes great courage to stand resolutely against a stacked deck of political and legal attacks and nevertheless work to represent the will of a battered republic. It takes great courage to call for peace when a corrupt establishment is salivating for war. It takes great courage to run for office again at the age of 77 when life could be so much easier by simply bowing out of the political arena.
Some Americans may not like President Trump’s personality or even his politics, but his stamina and his veracious commitment to staying the course is undeniable.
In a letter to James McHenry in 1798, Washington wisely wrote, “It is infinitely better to have a few good Men, than many indifferent ones.”
Trump has shown Americans how effective one man with a vision to work and rebuild American greatness can be. One man who stands against the establishment machine has done more good for modern liberty than hundreds of power-hungry and elitist politicians.
Washington led America to an unprecedented victory that forged the foundations of independence, justice, and constitutional freedoms. Likewise, President Donald Trump is leading America now to an emerging renaissance of liberty upon a victorious 2024 presidential election that will reverse the country’s downward tailspin and, instead, set us on a course for greatness once again.
