George Washington, the first President of the United States, is not just a distant historical figure to me but a personality whose life and work deeply inspire me. Born on February 22, 1732, he fought for fundamental values that remain close to my heart: freedom, democracy, human rights, and justice. Yet today, as I observe the current political and social landscape of America, I often wonder: what would Washington think of what is happening now? How would he react to the behavior of the current president, the evolving relations with Russia, or the gradual sacrifice of democratic values for the sake of an uncertain future? And now, as the fate of Ukraine calls into question the strength of international alliances and America's stance shifts, I am filled with even deeper concern. Having grown up in the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War and personally experienced what it means to live without freedom and human dignity, I am deeply troubled by what is happening in the United States and the world today.
To me, George Washington is not just a historical figure but a man who deeply believed that state power must be limited to protect individual rights. The Constitution, for which he and his peers fought, was not merely a legal document but the framework within which freedom and justice could flourish. Today, however, I see the fundamental principles of the Constitution—the separation of powers, the rule of law, and individual freedoms—increasingly sacrificed in the struggle for political power. The current president's behavior often violates the spirit of the Constitution, and his actions undermine the credibility of democratic institutions. Having grown up in the Eastern Bloc and witnessed what happens when power is unchecked, I am deeply saddened to see similar tendencies in the United States.
Washington and his peers fought in the Revolutionary War not only against British rule but also for a society where people could live freely and where the government served the people. The freedom they fought for was not just political independence but also the respect for individual rights. Today, however, these values are increasingly under threat. Political polarization, media manipulation, and the erosion of individual freedoms are phenomena that would have been unimaginable in Washington's time. Having lived in the Eastern Bloc and seen what happens when freedom is denied, I am deeply concerned to see similar trends in the United States. The current president's behavior often violates democratic norms, and his rhetoric deeply contradicts the ideals of freedom and human dignity. Washington would likely be outraged to see political power often turned against the vulnerable and the interests of the economic and political elite prioritized over social justice.
In Washington's time, the United States was a young nation whose primary goal was to secure independence and establish internal stability. Washington warned against foreign alliances but also emphasized the importance of defending freedom and democracy. Today, however, the United States exists in a world where the geopolitical situation is increasingly complex, and relations with Russia are once again at the forefront. The rise of Russian influence, the undermining of democratic institutions, and attacks on Western values are challenges Washington never had to face. Having grown up during the Cold War and seen how an authoritarian regime seeks to undermine democracy, I am deeply concerned about the direction of U.S.-Russia relations. The fact that some American politicians advocate closer ties with Russian leadership while sacrificing the fundamental principles of democracy would deeply contradict Washington's values.
The evolving situation with Ukraine is particularly troubling to me. Ukraine, an independent nation fighting for freedom and democracy, is now a victim of Russian aggression. The United States, as a global leader of democracy and freedom, has a duty to support Ukraine in this critical moment. However, I see that the current president is undermining relationships with allies, and America's stance toward Ukraine is wavering. Washington, who always emphasized the importance of reliability and commitment in international relations, would likely be deeply saddened to see alliances crumbling. This would not only seem like a strategic mistake to him but also a moral failure, as the defense of democracy and freedom cannot be selective. The fact that the current president is undermining alliances not only erodes international trust but also jeopardizes America's long-term interests.
Washington and the other Founding Fathers sought to create a world where people could live freely and where the government served the people. Today, however, it seems that a new, dark world is being built, where democratic values are sacrificed in the struggle for power and influence. Political elitism, growing social inequalities, and the disregard for human rights are phenomena that would have been unimaginable in Washington's time. Having lived in the Eastern Bloc and seen what happens when democracy and freedom are absent, I am deeply concerned to see similar trends in the United States. Yet, I also hope that Washington's legacy lives on and that people recognize how important it is to defend democratic values.
George Washington's legacy is still alive today, but the challenges of the modern world deeply question the values he and his peers fought for. The defense of democracy, freedom, and human rights is just as important today as it was in the Founders' time. Having grown up during the Cold War and personally experienced what it means to live without freedom and human dignity, I deeply believe that it is our task to preserve and pass on the values for which Washington and his peers fought. The defense of freedom, democracy, and human rights is crucial not only for the United States but for the entire world. Washington's example reminds us that the fight for freedom and justice must never end. And I, personally, am committed to continuing this fight, especially now, as the fate of Ukraine and the relationships with allies hang in the balance.