While "Googling" recently, I stumbled across a fairly long list of Presidential quotes, and I started thinking about the stunning array of positions these words could be used to support. It seems a popular notion these days that nothing sells a political idea better than a quote from a respected leader that gives prior mandate-- or seems to, anyway. For instance, one of those "Liberal" organizations, such as the ACLU, might like to quote the President who said;

 As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.

 Likewise, a "conservative" organization like the NRA would want to adorn their tracts with one of these fellows;

 When firearms go, all goes. We need them every hour.

 The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.

 Those that want an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq would love to have their argument propped up by the respected leader who said;

 My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.

 (never minding that it's the type of thing that people who start wars tend to say.) The administration's angrier dissenters on the war issue would more likely put this guy on their website;

 Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.

 Well, that particular Commander in Chief didn't seem too eager to re-enlist. I'm sure that those brandishing magnetic ribbons on their Windstars would take more pride in the Civilian Commander that declared;

 Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.

 There are those, then, which favor weak government, with minimal involvement in citizen's lives. They used to be Republicans, but are now more frequently found in Independent and Libertarian circles. They'd argue for less government by quoting one of these respected statesmen:

 A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master.

 The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.

 Meanwhile, those that want a stronger government with broader powers, whom the Republicans used to call "liberals" and now call "core constituents", will add an "Amen" to this President's prayer;

 'Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large.'

 See? There's something for just about everybody. No matter what your cause- liberal or conservative, pro- or anti-war, big or small government, there's a President out there to say you're right. This gives your position legitimacy, solid ground upon which to stand. It shows that a smart guy like the President agrees with you, so anyone else would be stupid not to. And here's the great thing—you don't even need that many Presidents! I covered every issue above with only one, an old fellow named Washington (I didn't fool you one bit, did I, insightful one?)

 So what does this prove? Well, for one thing, it shows that a flip-flopper can still make a good President, contrary to current notions. One can only imagine how Rush Limbaugh, using the quotes above, would take Mr. Washington apart if he were running for office today. Myself, I tend to think that changing one's mind, even just a little, shows the ability to allow an idea to evolve. It confirms blood flow above the mouth.

 More importantly, though, it shows how gullible we can be. It's easy to be swayed by the words of someone we admire, especially when the person in question is long dead. If history's whitewash has done it's job, it's august figure's words carry that much more weight, and seem to gain an unimpeachability that our own opinions lack.

 We must remember, however, how easily manipulated these words of wisdom are. What was the context? What were the sentences before and after the quote? In particular, I'd like to know what ol' George's day had been like before that prayer.

We must also remember that age and experience can and will often lead someone to say something quite different than they've said before. George lived long enough to change his mind about many things. Just how much time elapsed between supposedly contradictory statements?

 Finally, we should all remember that the President isn't necessarily smarter than we are. That is on some occasions truer than on others, of course.

 I leave you with this dictate from George;

Make the most of the hemp seed and sow it everywhere.

Yes, SIR, Mr. President!