Thanking George Washington

The more I look at what is going on in the Middle East, and more extensively what has gone on in so many countries after a dictator is removed from power and a country tries to move towards democracy, the more I am thankful for George Washington. This was actually brought to mind while discussing the political situation of Russia since the fall of the communist Soviet regime. Since the USSR fell in 1991, Russia has had 3 "presidents." I put that in quotes because while they are the President of Russia, the fairness of the elections they have won is questionable, and they operate more like dictators than presidents.  Vladimir Putin served as President from 2000-2008, then was Prime Minister under Medvedev, and now is going to be President again, the result of what most say are unfair, fixed elections. He's created an environment in which he (and his cronies) have almost total control of the political situation in Russia.

This happens quite often in so called "democratic revolutions."  A dictator is overthrown and a country transitions into democracy, only to see that transition high-jacked by the military, who then take over (Egypt), or the elections are won by those who are the wealthiest and most influential, and who have no intention of ceding power.  

What we forget is that this could have been us. When the Revolutionary War ended and the United States of America was being formed, our founding documents drafted, our initial leaders selected, there were many who wanted to make George Washington King of the U.S.  Even after he was elected president, he could have served and won every election he ever ran in, ruling until he died.  This would have set a precedent not unlike monarchy's and family dynasties where one person rules until death, to be succeeded either by their heir, or by a pre-selected replacement.

Thankfully George Washington was wise, and he decided to not seek a 3rd term, setting the precedent for 2 term maximums as President. Of course, FDR broke from this precedent, but shortly following his 4th election it was made law, a maximum of 2 terms for U.S. Presidents.  

While we sit here and think, "why can't these countries make democracy work?" Maybe we should really be asking how in the world we've made it work so well thus far....

Thanks Mr. President (Washington), you did us all a great service. Oh yes, and don't forget to celebrate President's Day this coming Monday (Feb. 20).