A word from George Washington

As the United States prepares to celebrate Washington's Birthday next Monday (which is not, of course, Washington's Birthday), people dust off those quotes from the father of his country that are worth remembering by his offspring. How about one that may be prompted by today's strife between nations but that can be applied in any walk of life?

''The nation which indulges toward another an habitual hatred or habitual fondness is in some degree a slave,'' said George Washington in his Farewell Address. ''It is a slave to its animosity or its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest.''

President Washington called for good faith and justice toward all nations. It's a word to the wise as the world tries to get together to solve its political, military, and economic conflicts.