Transition of power: Greatness meets infamy
America's greatness is not defined by the acquisition of power, but the surrendering of it.
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On Dec. 23, 1783, after successfully winning the American Revolution, Gen. George Washington surrendered his military commission to Congress. In this unprecedented act not seen since classical Rome, a victorious commander laid down his sword. The American general's act was so shocking that upon learning of it, King George III of Britain could think of no other words than to declare Washington "the greatest man in the world."
Washington could have been America's monarch or dictator. But he preserved the Revolution's ideals and firmly established a peaceful transition of power. Washington acted to ensure "the interests of our dearest country." And America was defined.
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Then again, as president, Washington renounced a third term (and potential lifetime appointment) in favor of a peaceful transition of power. In his Farewell Address, he warned against partisanship, which "serve[d] to organize faction" and make the nation subservient to "the will of a party."
His example for a peaceful transition of power was followed by President John Adams and in every presidential election thereafter. Until this week.
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/transition-of-power-greatness-meets-infamy/ar-BB1cD3Sw?li=BBnbfcQ&ocid=DELLDHP