Why was Lincoln "great?"

[Craig Hipkins]

(04-15-2014 08:34 AM)Matt Macoubrie Wrote:  Lincoln was great because he understood what it meant to be "united" as one. We were a fledgeling nation but it took one man and his cabinet, along with trust steer us where we are today. I think we as Americans get caught up in the George Washington's and Richard Obama's of our history, but we forget those very important ones in between that guided us through tough times. Taking on a Civil War is very difficult, and not everyone has the knowledge and perseverance that Lincoln had to get through it. Look at the Russian Civil War and what came out of that and tell yourself, were Lincoln and his cabinet better or worse than the Russian legislature back then. Besides, I think personally that Lincoln had morals . . . something that not all leaders posses.

I think you hit the nail on the head Matt! Today's leaders seem to be totally self absorbed and don't possess the moral fiber that people like Lincoln had. Lincoln was not perfect. He had his flaws just like everyone else, but I believe that he at least had a genuine sympathy and love for people. I think that this can best be seen with his many pardons to soldiers during the Civil War which other leaders would have been hesitant to meddle with.

Craig