George Washington

This quote from George Washington (via The Dish) really spoke to me:

"Much indeed to be regretted, party disputes are now carried to such a length, and truth is so enveloped in mist and false representation, that it is extremely difficult to know through what channel to seek it. This difficulty to one, who is of no party, and whose sole wish is to pursue with undeviating steps a path which would lead this country to respectability, wealth, and happiness, is exceedingly to be lamented. But such, for wise purposes, it is presumed, is the turbulence of human passions in party disputes, when victory more than truth is the palm contended for," - George Washington, in a letter to Timothy Pickering, July 27, 1795.

It feels very difficult lately to navigate through the extreme partisanship that tries to pass for legitimate political debate these days.  It's discouraging to see that the same problems plagued politics in 1795.  How has anything good ever gotten done by anyone?