Crock’s Thoughts

Choosing a favorite historical figure is like choosing a favorite pizza topping. Sure, pepperoni is classic, but have you tried bacon-wrapped jalapeños with extra cheese during a thunderstorm while barefoot leaning on aluminum siding? Exactly. It’s complicated! 😜

So, when someone asks me, “Who’s your favorite historical figure?” my brain goes into full red-white-and-blue overload. 🇺🇸 Because I love the Founding Fathers. These were men with powdered wigs, wooden teeth, and nerves of steel. They had everything to lose—land, wealth, reputations, and yes, probably some decent tea—but they tossed it all on the line for an idea: liberty!

Think about it. After defeating the greatest military superpower of their time with little more than grit, muskets, and sheer audacity, they could’ve easily declared, “Okay folks, democracy was fun—now let’s all make ourselves kings and wear shiny hats.”

But they didn’t.

Why?

Because of the guy who voluntarily walked away from power. The man, the myth, the original presidential term-limiter: George Washington.

Yep! If I have to pick one—and I say this with deep apologies to Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, and that one guy who insisted on making the turkey our national bird (AKA Franklin)—it’s George.

Washington was the glue—the Elmer’s of the Enlightenment. After the war, everyone looked to him like, “Okay, George, you’re basically American Zeus now. Wanna rule?” And he said, “Nah. Let’s try this whole republic thing.” Then he gave the power back to the people, dropped the mic—or quill—and went home to Mount Vernon to farm and not answer emails.

Let’s be real. That’s a rare trait. Most people can’t even hand over the remote, let alone the reins of a nation.

What really sets Washington apart, though, wasn’t just his leadership or his epic battle poses. It was his humility. His quiet faith. His understanding that liberty isn’t about grabbing power—it’s about giving people the freedom to shape their own destiny. He set the tone. He gave America a blueprint that didn’t involve crowns or dictatorships or awkward royal family Christmas photos.

So yes, I love all the Founding Fathers—each brought something unique to the table (Jefferson brought words, Franklin brought sass, and Hamilton brought… well, Broadway). But George Washington? He brought honor, restraint, and a humble trust in divine Providence.

And let’s face it—he made false teeth and a bad haircut look presidential.

God bless him—And God bless the glue that held this beautiful, chaotic experiment in freedom together!