George Washington, “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,” was born on Feb. 22, 1732 – 281 years and a few days ago.

For much of this nation’s history, Washington’s life was put forth as a positive example for his fellow Americans to follow. That emphasis, sadly, seems to have faded in the 21st century.

In the U.S. capital city that bears Washington’s name, politicians can’t seem to agree on how to solve the nation’s vexing problems – debt, deficits, taxation, sequestration, guns, immigration and so on.