My book attempts to use fantasy story telling to reveal mind control tools of a totalitarian government and the dupes that fall for it. George Washington lurks in the shadows of book 1. In book 2, he steps into the light. Whenever, I am hiking and camping in the Appalachian mountains, I gain new respect for him. The more I study his life’s adventures, the more I wonder whether he was merely human. Strange thought but increasingly something I cannot dismiss. Suspend your preconceptions of a white patriarchal plantation farmer for a brief instant. Transport yourself back to a time when travelling West of the Blueridge was a dangerous pursuit. Go further still, past the wild frontier town of Winchester, Virginia. Venture into the highlands of the Alleghany mountains where there is no sign of civilization just trackless wilderness. Maybe you follow an Indian trail but more likely forge through dense forest with only your compass and stars to set your course. Remember, you don’t even have a map. They don’t exist for this uncharted area. You hike all day, slogging through mud and thickets of brush. It is cold, especially in narrow valleys and hollows where the sun only glimpses the land. Even where the sun reaches mountain slopes, you freeze as it fades beyond the horizon. Wild animals want to eat you. Indians and Frenchman want to kill you. Bandits want to rob you. Now, remember that you are only 16 years of age. Your job is to lead a survey team of rough men placing quill to parchment, drawing lines and creating America as you go.
The dark woods around my campsite are lonely and intimidating. The comfort of my phone, the security of my jeep keeps me safe should I need help or escape. Imagine if you had to walk weeks through the wilderness to seek assistance. George Washington was an amazing historical figure. Even though his famous farewell address was written mostly by James Madison, he laid out the broad strokes of the message he wanted to deliver. His genius was his judgement. He sought counsel, chose wisely, inspired confidence and won allegiance. I think we should listen very carefully to his farewell address. The words he chose for the final version were very important to him. He gave us several warnings. Everyone needs to read them again. The message is as relevant today as it was then. Lest we fall under the control of the evil Authority depicted in my book, I urge you to memorize the following passage and meditate on its meaning.
“Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) 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 republican government. But that jealousy to be useful must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it.
Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.”
Paul Kengor identifies dupes in US history from past to current time. I can hear Washington whispering in my ear.
