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Gen. George Washington’s Resignation Speech as Commander of the Continental Army
Maryland State House, Annapolis, December 23, 1783

Mr. President,
The great events on which my resignation depended, having at length taken place, I have now the honor of
offering my sincere congratulations to Congress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender
into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.
Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the
United States, of becoming a respectable Nation I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence

In this short speech, one of the most important in history, Washington reveals himself to be honest and principled. He was offered the post of President for Life or Emperor of America, but he politely declined. This is how Presidents should act.

By contrast, Laurent Gbagbo, former President of the Ivory Coast, who was defeated in a UN monitored election last year by Alessana Outtara, has refused to give up power. He organized an army and has been fighting the forces of the winner of the election, Outtara. At first it looked as if Gbagbo was more powerful, but with western (mainly French) support Outtara has gradually taken over the rebel army in Ivory Coast and has captured most of the country. Gbagbo is still holding out in his power base in the capital Abidjan. Both sides are accused of perpetrating massacres and conservatively 1,300 people have been killed and there are ca. 200,000 refugees. Nevertheless, like Gaddafi, Assad, HItler, Mussolini and the whole sad bunch of absolute rulers, Gbagbo intends to go down fighting to the last Ivorean. If only they could follow the example of Washington and disdain power unless it is thrust upon them, the world would be a safer and more peaceful place.