Even George Washington Was a Tyrant.

The article examines the complex legacy of George Washington, emphasizing that his role as a founding father and president cannot be separated from his status as an enslaver who exercised tyranny through slavery. While Washington's leadership and presidential restraint are often celebrated, the article highlights his active efforts to maintain slavery, including pursuing an enslaved woman who escaped during his presidency. It argues that understanding American history requires confronting the persistent presence of tyranny alongside ideals of freedom, rather than simplifying historical figures into heroes or villains. The piece calls for a nuanced recognition of slavery's centrality to early American leadership and the ongoing struggle to realize democratic ideals.