Lincoln Research

[L Verge]

Dani - Welcome to the world of Lincoln studies!

Assuming that you are a college student between the ages of 18 and 22, I want to congratulate you on even having the interest and initiative to tackle any U.S. history now in an era where our educators are throwing the subject out the window. To take on an even greater task of trying to make sense of a man like Abraham Lincoln and then to share your thoughts through the brutal world of social media today deserves a round of applause, in my opinion.

With nearly sixty years in the dog fight over Lincoln's policies (and being branded as anti-Lincoln because I happen to enjoy the intrigue of his assassination), I can assure you that the mention of the man's name can stir up a hornet's nest of opinions. Take it in stride because historical debates and opinions serve to spread knowledge both to others and to yourself.

Am I an admirer of Lincoln? Yes. Do I idolize him? No. Do I consider him a pragmatist and a born-politician who knew which faction to please and when? Most certainly! Did it take me years of reading and dissecting other people's opinions to reach mine? You bet it did... And, personally, I think Lincoln was just as perplexed as to what to do about the institution of slavery (that had been thrust on his nation by money-seekers for over two hundred years) as our forefathers and following Presidents and politicians had been.

What I'm trying to say is to ride with the negativity you are going to encounter as you research Lincoln (and other historical topics) and don't let it stop you in your quest for learning. Continue to share your ideas (just be careful of the traps in social media today) and be strong in defending them. Learn, however, to defend with solid sources to back you up. You have based your project on ideas that other people have expounded on; check them out first, and then cite them when necessary to support your stance.

I wish much good luck to you in the future. Keep your interest in history and try to educate others. I believe in the old Chinese saying of "Each one teach one." In this day and age, we need to teach a lot more than just one...

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(04-20-2017 01:49 PM)David Lockmiller Wrote:  

(04-20-2017 06:41 AM)ELCore Wrote:  Abraham Lincoln was anti-slavery on a logical level, not an emotional way.

To you, Dani: what does that mean? To all: does the statement strike you as accurate?

It does not strike me as accurate.

President Lincoln's addressed the 140th Indiana Regiment on March 17, 1865 with the following words:

“I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves, it should be first those who desire for themselves, and secondly those who desire it for others. Whenever I hear any one arguing for slavery I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally."

The People of the South did not desire slavery for themselves, but they did desire slavery for others.

And what about the People of the North who held slaves?