Yes, the US and Kennedy have moved far from the advice of George Washington on foreign entanglements:
Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all....
Nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations and passionate attachments for others should be excluded.... The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest....
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence...the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republic Government....
The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign Nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little Political connection as possible....
'T is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances, with any portion of the foreign world....
That advice referred to the situation in Europe at the time. It has nothing to do with Asia.
ReplyDeleteDidn't David Gordon address the more plausible interpretation of that quote with his talk on G Wash. in Reassessing the Presidency? Apparently the 'entangling alliances' was in reference to subversives allying against the central power, which Washington was frustrated with. Roughly quoted: "I like to spoil everything." -David Gordon. Audio is on mises.org
ReplyDeleteFurther evidence that JW is incapable of conceptual thinking.
ReplyDeleteJerry,
ReplyDeleteAre you in favor of an imperialistic foreign policy? Please explain why the premise is different now versus the lste 1700s.