FACT CHECK: Did George Washington Really Say, "The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury"?
We came across an interesting quote today below a poignant quote from RFK Jr. The quote was attributed to George Washington and seem both timeless and cuttingly relevant to current times where there appears to be a run on America's financial security by our elected leaders. The quote also seemed a bit too timeless to have gone unknown to us up until now. We decided to investigate.
Here is the RFK Jr quote that started it all:
We will not recognize the end of democracy when it comes, if it does. Advanced democracies are not overthrown, there are no tanks on the street, no sudden catastrophes, no brash dictators, or brain mobs, instead, their institutions are imperceptibly drained of everything that…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) October 21, 2023
In the age of social media and the rapid dissemination of information, it's not uncommon to come across historical quotes attributed to famous figures. Recently, a quote attributed to George Washington made rounds on Twitter in response to a statement by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the gradual erosion of democracy. The alleged Washington quote reads, "The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury." While this quote seems to resonate with the concerns of modern political discourse, its authenticity is in question. In this article, we will evaluate the likelihood of George Washington actually saying or writing these words and explore similar quotes from his era to provide context.
Will The Real George Washington Please Stand Up?
George Washington was the first President of the United States and a key figure in the American Revolutionary War. As one of the Founding Fathers, his words and deeds carry considerable weight in American history. However, determining the authenticity of quotes attributed to historical figures can be a complex task. In this case, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that George Washington ever uttered or wrote the words, "The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury." The quote is not found in any of his known writings, speeches, or correspondence.
George Washington was known for his prudence, and he believed in upholding the principles of integrity, honor, and fiscal responsibility. While it is not impossible for him to have commented on the misuse of government funds, the language and tone of the quote do not align with his typical discourse.
Similar Quotes from George Washington's Era
To evaluate the likelihood of this quote being genuine, we can examine other quotes from George Washington's era that touch upon similar themes. While not identical (and not all from GW), these quotes can provide context and a basis for comparison:
1. "Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." - George Washington.
2. "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." - Gerald Ford.
3. "The first duty of government is to protect the powerless against the powerful." - Thomas Jefferson.
These quotes capture the spirit of governance, fiscal responsibility, and the balance of power, which were significant concerns during George Washington's time.
Historical Context: Why Would George Washington Have Said That?
The late 18th century was a period of political and economic upheaval in the newly formed United States. The government was in its infancy, and issues of taxation, financial responsibility, and the role of government were hotly debated. If it were true, the quote in question could be related to the challenges the government faced during those times, such as funding the Revolutionary War or establishing a sound financial system.
Last Word: No Evidence But Still Worth Talking About
George Washington led a revolution against England. England would have been the subject of his commentary, if it were true, but England was not anywhere close to making its last official act - the colonies were in the throws of leaving it. Similarly, GW wouldn't have been talking about the end of the newly formed America, which was just beginning.
In evaluating the authenticity of the quote attributed to George Washington, "The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury," there is no direct evidence to support its connection to him. While the sentiment expressed in the quote aligns with concerns about the misuse of government funds, it is crucial to exercise caution and verify the sources of historical quotes, especially when they appear in contemporary discussions. It is always best to rely on well-documented and verified quotations from historical figures to gain a more accurate understanding of their thoughts and views.
In modern America, we are increasingly seeing our politicians bent to divert programs to protect its citizens from drug companies who are overcharging its citizens, medical systems who claim to be on the brink of bankruptcy while reaping record profits while they provide the worst outcomes and denial of services of an first world country. At the same time, we fail to make our brothers and sister at home whole when tragedy strikes (the wildfires in Hawaii) but are quick to break out the checkbook for any arms related conflict. We are getting increasing poignant critical analysis from brave sources like Russell Brand who are sharing the truth about what is going on. As education continues in this scary turmoil, we see a ray of hope and seek to amplify it. While this GW quote is almost surely not true, it sparks conversation. We hope that YOU take this spark with you and continue conversations about predicted collapses that may be avoided by channeling the wisdom of pioneers past and present. As quality content comes available, it is our responsibility to share it if we want to see change come from it.
Follow us on Instagram for mostly Cannabis news and updates on opportunities for personal and professional opportunities as we seek to decentralize the burgeoning opportunities provided by cannabis -- think socially, shop locally.