A history review and a warning
Kudos on the recent front-page primer on American history. There are a few items, however, that require some clarification.
The Articles of Confederation was far less imperfect than its detractors would have us believe. To speak to the Herald's point, while it did not permit a "standing army" the point is not relevant. A "standing army" is a peacetime army, and we were at war. The Second Continental Congress had already authorized an army for purposes of resisting the crown.
Washington's reluctance to power is well-known, well-documented and worthy of study and emulation. Napoleon lamented on his deathbed that they (the French people) wanted another Washington.
Yes, the Constitution did scare the colonies. If the document is read carefully, those powers not given in the seven articles (essentially the regulation of interstate commerce and defense) are retained by the states. Their concerns about a grasping, consolidating and overreaching federal government are prophetic. Our Founders would be horrified by what we have become today. Happy birthday, George! We are sorry we have been such poor stewards. We would do well to remember your advice:
"How soon we forget history. ... Government is not reason. Government is not eloquence. It is force. And, like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." - George Washington
Steve Quick
Arlington Heights