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George Washington Racks Up 220 Years of Late Fees At Library

Posted by samzenpus on from the at-least-he-read dept.

Everyone knows that George Washington couldn't tell a lie. What you probably didn't know is that he couldn't return a library book on time. From the article: "New York City's oldest library says one of its ledgers shows that the president has racked up 220 years' worth of late fees on two books he borrowed, but never returned. One of the books was the 'Law of Nations,' which deals with international relations. The other was a volume of debates from Britain's House of Commons. Both books were due on Nov. 2, 1789."

4 of 146 comments (clear)

  1. And he decided to pay the late fees... by Doug52392 · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... in $1 bills.

  2. Obligatory by cosm · · Score: 5, Funny

    Epoch fail.

    --
    'We are trying to prove ourselves wrong as quickly as possible, because only in that way can we find progress.' RPF
  3. Re:case by eleuthero · · Score: 5, Insightful
    If you've read any of his writings, he was a slave owner because of a period understanding of necessity - he also freed his slaves at his wife's death (something Jefferson was unable to do because of a million dollar - modern conversion - debt).

    Privately, however, Washington could -- and did -- lead by example. In his will, he arranged for all of the slaves he owned to be freed after the death of his wife, Martha. He also left instructions for the continued care and education of some of his former slaves, support and training for all of the children until they came of age, and continuing support for the elderly.

    Washington on slavery

    It is sometimes helpful not to bash people who were stuck in a system that they sought to improve with as little violence as possible (This didn't end up happening in the US, but in Britain and other European countries slavery was outlawed over time without violence).

  4. US Federal Debt by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now we know why the US Federal Debt is so high. That fine is probably still being carried by the Office of the President.