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LincolnMan · 01-09-2013, 09:10 AM

(01-08-2013 02:33 PM)Gene C Wrote: My whole image of Abraham Lincoln is ruined!

(NOT)

Actually this could be an interesting TV show, in spite of the reporters comments.

Gene: AGREE!

Certainly all viewpoints are welcome for consideration. I will watch the program because of my interest in the subject (obviously). In reading the article, I was immediately disappointed when I read the use of Lincoln's words from the Lincoln-Douglas debates to "prove" Lincoln's "racism." My bias alert was sounded further at the mention of Lincoln's support of colonization. To use these to argue that Lincoln was a racist is taking a viewpoint, in itself-and is not being fair or balanced (apologies to Fox News). Please refer to the excellent book Vindicating Lincoln: Defending The Politics of Our Greatest President by Thomas L. Krannawiter. As far as the abolitionists, most of you probably know that I greatly admire Zachariah Chandler. He was an "abolitionist" to the core. But I believe he was wrong (along with other abolitionists of his kind) in demanding an immediate end to slavery as its solution. The North stood to lose the war, if that had been carried out as they wanted. Lincoln is, I think, harshly and wrongfully criticised on being "slow" in regards to slavery-yet he had to consider all the ramifications and consequences of an immediate end of slavery. If it had not been for Lincoln's "big picture" perspective on things at the time of the war, I don't think we would have a United States today. Rob Wick mentioned something in another thread about efforts to "minimize" Lincoln's achievements (not exactly the way he expressed it). This has been ongoing for many many years. I suspect that, as good as the program may be, there is some of that line of thinking underlying it. I don't know that for sure because I haven't even seen it yet. Whenever I read a book or see a program, I ask myself: "Ok, what is the bottom line in this? What is the work really trying to say?"