I am always fascinated when I come across something that a vaunted past president did, something that would never be considered heroic or courageous if the current president did it.
Right before the move to Dorchester Heights during the Revolutionary War, George Washington issued the following order to his continental army (as quoted in David McCullough's 1776):
But it may not be amiss for the troops to know that if any man in action shall presume to skulk, hide himself, or retreat from the enemy, without the orders of his commanding officer, he will be instantly shot down, as an example of cowardice. [emphasis in original]
Just imagine, if you will, our current George putting forth such an order...
Posted by Sarah at December 14, 2007 08:28 AM | TrackBack