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David Scherer Water
By David Scherer Water
The story that shaped America, like America itself, came from England. It’s the story of Robin Hood — a tale that inspired countless boys, including a young George Washington.
Washington didn't simply admire Robin Hood; the legend shaped the man. Washington wanted so desperately to be Robin Hood that he grew up to lead his own band of men in the forest. And by ousting a king, he stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
Washington put the greater good of the new nation before his own self-interest. He wasn’t a flashy leader, but one of immense substance and resolve. He willingly relinquished control — first as commander-in-chief of the army and later as president — setting a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power — an act that at the time shocked the world.
In the centuries since, no president has risen to his stature.
It’s time for the second revolution. It’s time to overthrow another king. America is ready for its next George Washington.
A rough rider
A hundred years after Washington’s death, as the nation expanded and industrialized, a new kind of leader was needed. Boys were still telling stories, but more and more, they were reading them.
All of modern American literature would trace its roots to a single novel — a book that captured the restless, rebellious spirit of a new era. That book was "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," a story that would come to define the ethos of leaders like Teddy Roosevelt.
Bravery, determination, and a love for the wilderness were the themes of Roosevelt's life. As president, he took on corporate greed and advocated for the little guy. He regulated industries and launched the first consumer protection efforts. He set a big new standard for conservation.
It’s time to put corporations in their place. It’s time to take better care of the environment. America is ready for its next Teddy Roosevelt.
A new hope
Fifty years ago, movies overtook books as the dominant form of storytelling. One movie would come to influence young boys more than any other. It combined the rebellion of Robin Hood with the liberation of Huck Finn. But it added something new — an unflinching confrontation with the dark side and one’s father. That movie was "Star Wars."
The film's hero, Luke Skywalker, isn't just any rebel fighting an evil empire; his journey is a deeply personal one. He discovers that the tyrannical villain, Darth Vader, is his own father.
Coming to terms with his lineage — with the very source of his power and his potential for darkness — is a metaphor for America itself. It represents a nation forced to confront its own flawed past, including our forefathers’ role in injustice, racism and displacement.
Who will be our Skywalker-inspired president? We don’t know yet, but America is hungry for a leader who isn’t afraid to face the past, lead the rebel alliance and forge a brighter future.
The stories that shape us are not about compromise; they are about rebellion, courage, and a relentless search for a better way. It is this spirit that will lead the next revolution. America doesn’t just need policy reform, or the lesser of two evils, or better food banks. We need a leader who embodies our mythology and can take it to the next level.
It’s time to throw tea in the harbor.
It’s time to run away down the river.
It’s time to blow up the Death Star.
David Scherer Water as Robin Hood on Oct. 31, 1974.
Courtesy of David Scherer Water
David Scherer Water explores local culture in his column, but this week we're letting him stretch out a little bit. He is the author of an Olympia history book and this column, which share the same title. Discover more of his work here.
CobraCommander
Amazing how people forget their history - the Boston Tea Party was a protest against taxation without representation, and today we have these import tariffs which are paid for by American consumers, and forced upon us by a wannabe king who wears orange makeup. The Founders would have stopped this practice with extreme prejudice.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Report this
Porter
A resurrected Jimmy Carter cyborg for president. Thank you for the inspiration and memories, and a super cute picture.
Lets start it in olympia, the revolution i mean. A new political party, the 5th st dam busters or just the damn busters.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
ViaLocal
loving this article and loving that adorable Halloween picture!
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
Snevets
Bravo!
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this