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[quote=Anonymous]1796-George Washington farewell address

Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments,
which under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be
regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty… Nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachment for others should be excluded; and in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated.

The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest… So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It also leads to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to be retained, and by exciting
jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges
are withheld.

And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens, (who devote
themselves to the favorite nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own
country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearance of a
virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable
zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliance of ambition, corruption, or infatuation.

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. Excessive partiality for one 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 interest. The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible…

It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign
world… Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.[/quote]

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