[Bigun]

How has that affected your view of Washington, post-war?

Not much really. I think Washington was well aware of Hamilton's ambitions and used him to his advantage. Remember that it was Washington who warned us against political faction (parties) war and said "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence. It is force, and like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."

[Huck]

I don't know. For me, the more I study Washington post-war, it gets tougher and tougher to put him on the pedestal. I always automatically revered him. Who knows? Maybe he's was right. Maybe we are stuck with this much centralized government. Maybe it's the best of all possible worlds. It's a shame if true.

I guess it comes down to whether you see the Constitution as the source of the problem or not. I think after 200 years of steady and unchecked growth of national power, it's a bit weak to simply say it'd be fine "if only." If only pigs could fly, I say.

Washington wanted America to be an empire. He used the word several times. He got his wish. Hamilton was right there with him. If anyone got used, it was Madison and Jefferson. Madison, who I also used to revere, comes off like a dupe.