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George Washington Should Be a Hero to All Americans — Even in 2024
It was on this day that our nation’s greatest leader passed
On December 14, 1799, George Washington passed away at his Mount Vernon home. News of his death sent shockwaves through the fledgling United States. Tributes poured in from across the country, hailing him as the “Father of His Country.”
If only every single U.S. citizen today — regardless of race, color, gender, religion, politics, or any other consideration — still regarded George Washington as the father of the United States worthy of respect.
The reason many Americans refuse to regard Washington with honor and respect is he was born into a slaveholding society and held enslaved persons at Mount Vernon. And his overall social views reflected the times in which he lived.
Judged by today’s standards, George Washington was a white supremacist and an oppressor. As such, Americans today who are passionate about equity, inclusion, and social justice can’t abide Washington or any of the Founding Fathers being considered heroes in the twenty-first century.
It’s unfortunate this is the case.
Lest I be misunderstood…
