In November, voters must consider who best embodies the virtues of a President

King George III of Great Britain reportedly said that if George Washington voluntarily resigned from office after two terms as president of the United States, he would be “the greatest man in the world.”

In September 1796, 228 years ago, President Washington would do just that, thus making him the man!

At the time, there were no constitutional limitations on the number of terms a president could serve, and some, in the country’s early experience as a republic, viewed Washington as a king.

But not only did George Washington literally refuse to wear a crown, he was also adamant about not being addressed as “Your Most Benign Elected Highness,” as America’s then foreign minister to Europe, John Adams, recommended.

After going off script and responding to his oath, “So help me God,” Washington would tell his subjects that “Mr. President” would be enough.

More: Political rhetoric separated us. The next generation can bring us together

In his farewell speech, the father of our country would warn his children about their greatest fears:

● Political parties: He warned against the dangers of political factions and parties, which he believes can lead to division and weaken the unity of the nation.

● Permanent alliances: Washington advised against entering into permanent alliances or becoming involved in the affairs of other nations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining independence and avoiding foreign influence.

● Sectionalism: He warned against regional divisions within the country, urging Americans to prioritize national unity and avoid conflicts based on geographic or sectional interests.

● Public debt: Washington highlighted the importance of fiscal responsibility and warned against excessive public debt, calling for prudent management of national finances for the good of future generations.

How did we do as a country? Do we follow Washington’s advice? Let’s delve deeper.

Do we avoid political parties and factions that divide the party? Clearly not!

Do we avoid permanent alliances? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or “NATO” was formed in 1949 under the Harry S. Truman administration. His successor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, would later express his opinion that NATO should be temporary. In fact, in 1951, during his tenure as NATO’s first Supreme Allied Commander, Eisenhower famously said: “If within 10 years, all American troops stationed in Europe…are not returned to the United States, then all this project (NATO) will fail.” As we all know, NATO celebrated its 75th anniversary with a big party in Washington, DC. Presumably, the cost of the party was borne by the American taxpayer. President Biden would leave a $115 billion tip on the table for Ukraine, which is not a NATO member.

Do we avoid sectionalism? Uhm… no… there was a little problem called “Civil War”.

Do we avoid public debt? No… there are 34 billion $1,000 IOUs (IE bonds) floating around the planet, signed by the US Treasury. American’s children are at risk for debts worth $34 trillion and counting.

Washington would be crying.

In his final days as president, Washington suffered from dental problems, arthritis, and respiratory problems. Maybe it really was time to pass the torch.

Does all this sound like evil?

In the Tony Award-winning musical “Hamilton,” a comical King George III sings the following after being informed that George Washington is abdicating the throne.

They say George Washington is giving up his power and stepping aside. That is true? I didn’t know this was something a person could do. I’m perplexed. Are they (Americans) going to continue replacing whoever is in charge? If so, who’s next?

Perhaps, instead of analyzing static and rotation, voters this November should consider who best embodies the virtues of a president. Not from a king.

K. John Lee is a businessman and last year worked as a math teacher in Tulsa public schools. Lee recently volunteered on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign.

This article originally appeared in the Oklahoman: Opinion: Americans should remember George Washington’s warnings