Donald Trump has none of the qualities of President George Washington

George Washington shoulder portrait in the Currier & Ives exhibit at the Springfield Museum*

There is no comparison between the eloquent President George Washington (1732-1799) and the inept Donald Trump.

Since 1893, the Senate has read “George Washington’s Farewell Address”, on President Washington’s birthday.

We need to take roll call to make sure both Missouri senators are (or will be) in attendance.

• Senator Josh Hawley
• Senator Roy Blout

Washington said, “The Constitution is sacredly obligatory on all.” In contrast, President Donald Trump said, “The emoluments clause is phony.” (The clause in the Constitution that bars public officials from taking gifts from foreign governments.)

Washington said, “Political parties open the door to foreign influence and corruption.” We have seen many Trump associates plead guilty to taking gifts from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s cronies, resulting in reduced influence in Syria, Ukraine and NATO.

Washington said, “Those entrusted with the administration of our government should confine themselves within their respective constitutional sphere.”

The White House staff, (Maine Writer or the Trumpzi) “deep state,” should put a towel over Washington’s portrait when Trump speaks from the East Room, calling our legislative and judicial branches “the very deep state.”

Washington predicted “men in the future will seek to give absolute power to an individual whose real purpose is his own elevation on the ruins of public liberty.” Trump seems to respect Putin’s Russian success.

George Washington said, “it is our responsibility to perpetuate the Constitution.” 

I fear it is in the wrong hands. 

From David H. Smith from Albany, Missouri

*As the first president of the United States, President George Washington was distinguished as the father of the new nation and greatly respected for his wisdom, honesty and leadership during the Revolution.  Currier & Ives created numerous images of Washington’s life, creating a visual history that established Washington as one of the nation’s earliest heroes. In this bust-length portrait, the young president gazes out with confidence and strength, two important qualities in his role as leader.