Tuesday Thoughts (TE): Mr. President, it’s so nice to see you and, before I begin, let me just say it’s an honor to interview you. Welcome back to the Capital.

The President (GW): Thank you. It’s great to be back in Philadelphia, but it looks so different.

TE: No, Mr. President. We’re not in Philadelphia. The Capital is now Washington, D.C.

GW: Washington?

TE: Yes sir; named after you, in fact.

GW: Oh my! I would have never approved of that. Government isn’t about a person; it’s about the people–the American people.

TE: Good point, but not to worry–the District might be re-named; but that’s a topic for another day. This interview is about you, as the American people have historically looked up to you, and we could all use some enlightenment and inspiration from your many experiences in military service, government, and your personal life, especially today. We only have a limited amount of time, so maybe you can cite some lessons you learned during your many years of service to our country.

GW: Indeed, there were many, but I’ll give you a few instances of highs and lows for me, professionally and personally.

TE: Perfect! Let’s start with the lows and save the highs for last.

GW: In 1754, as an officer in the Virginia militia, I led an expedition into the northern territory to negotiate with the French and the Indians. Regrettably, during a skirmish a French officer was killed by my men, resulting in the French attacking our troops and forcing our surrender.

TE: That would have been in what is now the State of Pennsylvania. But, sir, you were so young at the time, and not experienced in military battle.

GW: Correct; barely voting age, had there been such a thing at that time. But wisdom should not be lost on the young. I learned a valuable lesson: one defeat does not define a man, or a militia, for that matter. I learned from my mistakes, and that lesson served me well in future battles of much greater scope and importance.

The other low point was a personal one–slavery. As egregious as it seems now, at the time it was a standard practice; in fact, I inherited slaves when I was a mere adolescent. I convinced myself that my slaves were better off under my control. After all, they had a roof over their heads, plenty of food, and steady work. But something gnawed at me and, as I grew older, I realized how wrong all of us had been to deny other human beings their unalienable right of liberty. Although I stipulated in my will that my slaves were to be freed once I was dead, it remains a blemish on my character. That’s history now, though, and we can’t re-live it or deny it; rather, we acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.

TE: Mr. President, I think a lot of people would be pleased to hear you express that sentiment. Let’s continue. What about the high moments in your life.

GW: One would be the Christmas, 1776 battle in Trenton, New Jersey. After crossing the Delaware River in the shadow of night and under the providence of a heavy fog, we attacked and defeated a company of over a thousand Hessian soldiers. That victory turned the tide of the war in our favor.

TE: I can understand that leading such a battle would have to be a high for any general.

GW: Oh, no; it wasn’t my leadership that was the high; rather, it was my affiliation with such a courageous band of war-weary, poorly equipped, frost-bitten, starving soldiers who firmly believed in a cause greater than themselves. To witness their resolve and spirit was the pinnacle of inspiration in my life.

TE: I can only imagine. Okay, one more high moment.

GW: That one’s easy. It was leaving the presidency and returning to my two loves–Martha and my native Virginia. How I missed that dear woman and my beloved Mount Vernon!

TE: Which is actually nearby. By the way, Virginia is now known as the State of Presidents, as it has had more native sons occupy the presidency than any other state.

GW: Oh, I’m happy to hear that. Last time I checked, we were tied with Massachusetts.

TE: But it must have been difficult to step down from the presidency. After all, you were so revered by the citizens that they implored you to remain president, or even be named king.

GW: Which would have been so wrong. After all, we were fighting that type of government rule. No individual should have such tenured political power. We were elected to govern for our time, and then return to private life. I and the other founders never meant for political office to be a career. And, let me add, I was never happier to return to Mount Vernon, where I could farm, raise animals, distill liquor, and dote on my grandchildren.

TE: Well, Mr. President, that’s about all the time we have, but I would like to ask one more question.

GW: Of course; you may ask anything.

TE: Did you, or did you not, chop down that cherry tree?

GW: Next question, please.