Who, When, Why What

[Jim Garrett]

(04-06-2013 07:37 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Jim: I didn't start off being interested in Lincoln's assassination. In fact, I didn't want to read about it because it was emotionally painful for me. Let me explain: I started my love of Abraham Lincoln very young-age 5. At age 12, I read the monumental work of Carl Sandburg on Lincoln. Lincoln had become sort of a father-figure for me-as I was raised in a broken home. I didn't gain an interest in the assassination aspect until well into adulthood. My love for Lincoln also has cost me something-my family is from Tennessee. I have too many Confederate ancestors in my bloodline to count (and Union ancestors also). Many of my kin found it very distasteful that I admire him. Most of them have passed away now. I've mentioned before that my grandma talked about Sherman's March as if she had been there. Anyway, once I did become interested in Lincoln's assassination, I found out that it is a fascinating part of Lincoln's story. And so much of his legacy is invested, I suppose, in the fact that he "gave his life" for the "cause." Besides, I think everyone loves a good murder mystery. The assassination has so many angles-so many twists and turns-that is captures ones imagination-and allows all who partake in it's complexities much enjoyment and wonder.

You are dead on (no pun intended) The Lincoln Assassination is America's Greek Tragedy. For many, the War and Lincoln still divide us.