Incorrect usage of the address... (#89326)
by Warner Todd Huston on May 14, 2006 at 12:50 PM

Mr. Sciabarra.

While I am not the biggest fan of Ayn Rand, I have to say you are using Washington’s warning of foreign entanglements incorrectly. Though it is a very common misconception, Washington was absolutely NOT saying we should NEVER have anything to do with other nations.

Washington meant only to steer clear of European alliances and entanglements only for as long as it took to get the USA consolidated and strong in the face of superior European power.

In a letter to Gouverneur Morris on Dec. 22, 1795, Washington mentioned how he envisioned that the USA would be strong enough to hold its own about 20 years after the country’s birth, that, until that time, he wanted his country to be left alone and clear of European meddling so that the USA’s position would be unassailable.

So, Washington’s warning was one of the immediate future NOT one of a permanent nature.

It should also be remembered that the US was FULLY involved in trade negotiations with every European nation at the time Washington issued his farewell address, so even as he was warning about foreign entanglements, the country was already so entangled.

A clear and concise monograph on this subject can be seen in the book, “To the Farewell Address”, by Felix Gilbert. (1961 Princeton Press)

Like I mentioned, many people misuse this point about “Foreign Entanglements” and few realize its full meaning. You aren’t alone in this.

Lastly, just on a point of clarification, the Farewell Address was initially drafted by Madison, with revisions by both Washington and Hamilton.

Thanks, Warner Todd Huston