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Ancestral Dialogues: Would George Washington and Trump Have a Meaningful Exchange?
Ancestral Dialogues: Would George Washington and Trump Have a Meaningful Exchange?
Understanding the Conversation
In the modern era, the contrast between George Washington and Donald Trump is stark. Washington, a founding father and the first president of the United States, and Trump, a multi-billionaire businessman and former president, would likely have vastly different perspectives on many issues. It is almost unimaginable they would have a cordial conversation, given their polar opposite views and experiences. This hypothetical dialogue explores their respective thoughts on modern-day politics, with a specific focus on career politicians and government service.George Washington’s Perspective
George Washington, a man of strong principles and integrity, would likely express his deep concerns about the current state of politics and the rise of careerism in government. His experience in leading the Continental Army and his later tenure as the first president of the United States has left him with a clear understanding of what serving the country truly means.George Washington: “I think career politicians are inherently corrupt. Just as my peers tried to make me a king after we won the Revolution, you see the same kind of mentality today. The English, who I fought against during the war, hardly gave me a good sense of politics either. Politicians get too detached from the people and their needs when they stay in government too long. They serve their own interests, and the system becomes a corrupt cycle.”
Donald Trump’s Perspective
Donald Trump, on the other hand, would undoubtedly bring a more contemporary viewpoint. Having served as a businessman and political leader, he would likely address the challenges and criticisms he faces, particularly regarding his wealth and connections.Donald Trump: “I understand where you're coming from, George, but in today's political landscape, it's not just about serving the people; it’s about having the right connections and making the right deals. The system is sometimes rigged, and even those people who try to serve are often trapped in a web of perks and expectations. I’ve seen how important it is to have a good network and to be able to navigate the bureaucracy. The people who get rich from being in government are not the ones doing the serving; they're the ones who figure out how to exploit the system.
The Evolving Idea of Service in Government
Both Washington and Trump would likely acknowledge how the concept of service has evolved over time. Washington believed that those who served in government were expected to do so only temporarily, returning to their profession as landowners to maintain their livelihoods. In contrast, today, the idea of serving in government has transformed into a career path where individuals seek personal enrichment, often at the expense of the public good.George Washington: “I think you hit the nail on the head, Donald. In the 1700s, those who served in government were expected to do so as an honor, not a profession. They gave their time but were not expected to become rich from it. Now, people serve themselves, getting rich from their positions. You gotta wonder how and why people are able to become rich while they serve in a job that pays only a hundred thousand a year. I don’t think it’s coincidental that they have to grease palms to stay in power.”
Contemporary Reflections
The difference in their views showcases the dramatic changes in American politics over time. Washington’s principles of integrity and service represent an ideal that many may find admirable, while Trump’s pragmatism and criticism of the system offer a realistic perspective on the challenges of modern governance.Donald Trump: “I’m not trying to say that serving in government is all about money, but it’s undeniable that having connections and resources can make a significant difference. You know, George, I used to have two salutes. One for the military commanders, with a five-finger salute, and another for the career politicians, with a one-finger salute. I was being sarcastic, but there’s a reason for it.”