Blogging Washington's Farewell

Towards the end of his second term, George Washington prepared a letter addressed to "Friends and Fellow Citizens" announcing his retirement and reflecting on his terms in office and the nation moving forward.  Originally published in newspapers, today you are going to bring Washington's ideas to a more modern forum for debate-your blogs.  
In a post to your blog, respond to the following questions.  Make sure to use quotations (introduce them, interpret the language, analyze a "why" or "so what") for those questions where they are required.

1. What actions and/or advice does Washington offer in response to:
1. The potential threat of political parties and interest groups (use quotation).
2. The mounting criticism of government and the authority of the executive (use quotation).
3. The proper role of the United States in international politics (use quotation).
2. Based on what you read in your textbook over the last few days, was the new nation taking heed of Washington’s advice/warnings? How so?  Explain and be specific.
3. Were the actions advocated or advice given above wise or foolish? (Do you agree or disagree with Washington’s assessment?
4. In what ways do Washington's ideas address issues of trust in the government (use quotation)?
5. In what ways might Washington's ideas enhance the unity of the young nation (use quotation)?
6. How might Washington’s ideas apply to the current situation in the United States in 2014? In other words, what kind of advice might Washington give to the nation today and why (use quotations)?

When you are finished with your post, go to the blog that follows yours on the blog list, read that person's post, and then leave a comment that agrees or disagrees with the ideas in the post; poses questions about it; and/or pushes the person's thinking further. If there is time, continue by going on to the next blog and writing another comment.