Foreign Entanglements: George Washington

"My ardent desire is, and my aim has been ... to comply strictly with all our engagements foreign and domestic; but to keep the United States free from political connections with every other Country. To see that they may be independent of all, and under the influence of none. In a word, I want an American character, that the powers of Europe may be convinced we act for ourselves and not for others; this, in my judgment, is the only way to be respected abroad and happy at home." -- George Washington, letter to Patrick Henry, 1775

We have to remember that the autonomy of the united states (not capitalized for a reason. . . do you know why?) was very important to the founders.  They did not want foreign governments influencing the union.  This is not to say we can't have allies, or work with nations we consider our friends, but on the same token we must ask ourselves what the Founding Fathers would think of our membership in the United Nations, and the influence the UN has on our country.  What would they think about all of the aid we send overseas, even to countries that consider our enemies?  Would they approve of the many military bases we have around the world?  Don't get me wrong, many of them are necessary. . . but are all of them necessary?

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary