The 237th birthday of the United States of America: many national issues today remain eerily similar to the problems faced by Washington and his colleagues

On its 237th birthday, some of America’s problems haven’t changed

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Dave Richards

This year’s Fourth of July marks the 237th birthday of the United States of America. Between then and now, the country and the world have changed in ways the Founding Fathers, including George Washington, likely never imagined.

From our vantage point in history we can appreciate how much things have changed; but, on the other hand, there are many national issues today that remain eerily similar to the problems faced 237 years ago. History not only allows us to appreciate what those before us endured, but also reminds us of the lessons we apparently have yet to learn.

Here are some of the common denominators linking Revolutionary War-era America to the country we live in today:

• Desertions were such a problem that George Washington actually feared the Continental Army might dissolve. ...

• George Washington and Alexander Hamilton actually feared the Revolution might be followed by chaos or even a civil war. ...

• National lotteries were established by the Continental Congress as a way to help finance the war. ...

• During the Revolutionary War we had term limits; no delegate could serve for more than three years during any six-year period. ...

• Soldiers and officers in the Continental Army went months, if not years, without pay during the war. ...


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