Introduction: The United States was founded on principles of liberty, democracy, and the protection of individual rights. But from the very beginning, the Founding Fathers warned against the dangers of political corruption, suppression of truth, and the consolidation of power. Today, their fears are more relevant than ever.

This post explores how Washington, Jefferson, and Adams foresaw the threats to democracy—and how history continues to repeat itself.

I. George Washington’s Farewell Warning: The Danger of Political Parties

In his 1796 Farewell Address, George Washington issued a chilling warning about the rise of political factions:

“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension… is itself a frightful despotism.”

 Translation: Washington feared that political parties would create cycles of corruption, partisanship, and manipulation, ultimately leading to the suppression of truth and the weaponization of government institutions.

Modern Parallels: Today, extreme partisanship drives political division, suppresses opposing voices, and manipulates public opinion—just as Washington predicted.

II. Thomas Jefferson: The Free Press as Democracy’s Safeguard

Thomas Jefferson believed that a free and independent press was the ultimate safeguard against tyranny. He famously said:

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

Yet, during his own presidency, Jefferson saw firsthand how leaders manipulate media and suppress dissent—just as today’s governments and corporations control narratives through censorship, misinformation, and media consolidation.

 Modern Parallels: Investigative journalism is under attack, with governments and tech giants controlling information, silencing dissent, and labeling truth-seekers as threats. The battle between a free press and political power is as fierce now as it was in Jefferson’s time.

III. John Adams and the Sedition Act: Criminalizing Dissent

John Adams signed the Sedition Act of 1798, which made it illegal to criticize the government. Under this law, journalists and political opponents were arrested and imprisoned simply for publishing opinions that challenged those in power.

“Without the pen of the author of Common Sense, the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain.” – John Adams

 Modern Parallels: Today’s “cancel culture,” social media censorship, and legal actions against whistleblowers mirror the suppression seen under the Sedition Act—where those who challenge the establishment face career destruction or legal consequences.

IV. The Cycle of Suppression and the Role of Truth-Seekers

Washington, Jefferson, and Adams foresaw the fragility of democracy and the dangers of unchecked power. The cycle remains the same: ✔ Political factions weaponize institutions against their opponents.
✔ Governments attempt to control or suppress the press.
✔ Dissenters and truth-seekers face consequences for speaking out.

 How This Connects to The Shadow Journalist
The story of George N. Briggs, as told in The Shadow Journalist, reflects these very warnings. A journalist uncovers political corruption, only to become the target of suppression. His story echoes the struggles that Washington, Jefferson, and Adams feared centuries ago.

V. Engaging in Conversation and Solutions Aligned with the Founding Fathers and the Constitution

The Founding Fathers didn’t just warn us about these dangers—they provided solutions: 

✅ A free press must be protected at all costs.
✅ Truth-seekers must be fearless in exposing corruption.
✅ The people must hold power accountable.

Instead of allowing division to define our era, we must engage in meaningful discussions that uphold the integrity of the Founding Fathers’ vision and the Constitution. Constructive dialogue and solutions—rooted in history, facts, and ethical journalism—can serve as the foundation for preserving democracy in the modern age.

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” – Thomas Jefferson

 The Washington Warning was clear: If we allow the truth to be suppressed, democracy will fall.