Today is my old friend Abraham’s birthday. Abraham Lincoln was, of course, President of the United States during a particularly trying time. Donald Trump is President of the United States in a trying time, too. It’s not fair to try to compare the two — history is almost always kinder to ex-presidents than to those in office. So — I won’t compare. These are simply observations….
I’m no expert when it comes to Lincoln or the Civil War, but from what I’ve read, Lincoln had an eye for detail, but he also possessed the kind of clear thinking that made room for other points of view. Politicians today, no matter their “intelligence,” seem to buy into ideological and party-based thinking and actually cut themselves off from the sentiments and positions of large portions of their voters.
Another trait of Lincoln that impresses me is that of personal character. He was often belittled and criticized during his time in office, but he demonstrated patience and a spirit of forgiveness that doesn’t seem to exist in the political arena today.
The following are words from Lincoln’s second Inaugural address — as you read them, think about what you heard less than a month ago…
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds… to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
Obviously Lincoln’s greatest achievement was keeping competing Civil War forces at the table until peace could ultimately be negotiated.
It’s as important today (maybe even more so) as it was during the Civil War that we should all acknowledge the challenges before us and recognize the need for all sides to be part of the solution.
Lincoln never appeared on Saturday Night Live, but he’s remembered for some memorable quotes… one may be particularly appropriate today, “If you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
Abe, I think you passed the test — Happy Birthday!
— 30 —