"We are either a United people, or we are not. If the
former, let us, in all maters of general concern act
as a nation, which have national objects to promote,
and a national character to support. If we are not,
let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it."

-- George Washington (letter to James Madison, 30
November 1785)
Reference: George Washington: A Collection, W.B.
Allen, ed. (315)