Today is my old friend Abraham\u2019s 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\u2019s not fair to try to compare the two \u2014 history is almost always kinder to ex-presidents than to those in office. So \u2014 I won\u2019t compare. These are simply observations\u2026.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m no expert when it comes to Lincoln or the Civil War, but from what I\u2019ve 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 \u201cintelligence,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t seem to exist in the political arena today.<\/p>\n
The following are words from Lincoln\u2019s second Inaugural address \u2014 as you read them, think about what you heard less than a month ago\u2026
\n\u201cWith 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\u2026 to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Obviously Lincoln\u2019s greatest achievement was keeping competing Civil War forces at the table until peace could ultimately be negotiated.
\nIt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Lincoln never appeared on Saturday Night Live, but he\u2019s remembered for some memorable quotes\u2026 one may be particularly appropriate today, \u201cIf you want to test a man\u2019s character, give him power.\u201d
\nAbe, I think you passed the test \u2014 Happy Birthday!
\n\u2014 30 \u2014<\/p>\n
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Today is my old friend Abraham\u2019s 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\u2019s not fair to try … Continue reading