Collection of Speeches by the President of the United States

Author: Zhu Hong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: George Washington's Farewell Address
Friends and Fellow Citizens: We are soon to elect a citizen to preside over the executive branch of the U.S. government. At this moment, you must seriously consider to whom this important duty should be entrusted. Therefore, I believe it is my duty to declare to you, especially because it will help to express public opinion more clearly, that I have resolved to refuse to be listed as a candidate. Regarding my thoughts when I first took on this arduous responsibility, I have already expressed them in the appropriate circumstances. Now, as I resign this duty, I merely want to say that I have sincerely and wholeheartedly devoted my strength, though limited, to the organization and administration of this government.
When I first took office, I was not unaware of my inadequacies, and my own experiences made me even less confident—perhaps even more so in the eyes of others. As I grow older, I increasingly believe that retirement is necessary and well-received. I am certain that if there is any situation in which my service would be of particular value, it would only be temporary; therefore, I believe that, according to my choice and after careful consideration, I should withdraw from politics. Moreover, patriotism allows me to do so, which brings me great comfort.
At this point, it seems I should conclude my speech. But my concern for your happiness is one that I cannot part with even in death. Out of this concern naturally comes my anxiety about the dangers that threaten your well-being. This has led me to raise some thoughts for you to consider seriously today and to recommend that you reflect on them often. These are the conclusions of my deep deliberation and careful observation, and in my view, they hold great significance for the permanent happiness of the entire nation.
Your hearts are closely tied to liberty, so it is unnecessary for me to strengthen or reinforce your love for freedom. The unity of the government has bound you together as a nation, and this unity is now cherished by all of you. This is only natural, because your true independence is like a great edifice, and the unity of the government is its main pillar: it supports your domestic stability and foreign peace; it supports your security, your prosperity, and the genuine freedom you so highly value.
However, it is not difficult to foresee that certain forces will attempt to weaken the belief in this truth in your hearts. These forces may arise from different causes and come from various sources, but they will all act in various ways; this is because unity is a key aspect of your political fortress, and the cannons of both internal and external enemies will continue to bombard it relentlessly and intensify their attacks (though often secretly and insidiously). Therefore, what is most important is that you should rightly estimate the great value of this national unity to the happiness of both the collective and the individual; you should show it sincere, constant, and unwavering loyalty.
You should make it a habit to regard it as the guarantee of your political safety and prosperity in thought and speech, and to guard it with great care. If anyone suggests that this belief can be abandoned under certain circumstances—even if it is only speculation—you should not support it. If anyone attempts to separate a part of our country from the rest or to weaken the bonds that now connect the parts...