Today is the birthday of our nation’s first President, George Washington.
Realizing that he was walking on “untrodden ground,” George Washington was careful to consider how his actions as President could define the office of the United States Presidency for generations to come.
For example, Washington rejected the title a Senate Committee proposed for him – “His Highness the President of the United States and Protector of the Rights of the Same” — in favor of the more familiar “Mr. President.”
An important distinction. And a helpful reminder to the current occupant of the White House that he, too, is President — and not King — George.
– Jennifer Palmieri
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