“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.”
My question for your discussion here is, looking from our perspective in 2013, how valid is Washington's point regarding political parties and their nature to create despots?
As a side note, and well worth considering, it is to me a happy coincidence that we are at this point in our studies regarding current events. I do offer you this link to the Library of Congress' electronic version of the full text of Washington's Farewell Address. It should prove more stimulating in your discussions than it may first appear.
http://www.loc.gov/home2/shutdown-message.html