What is your best one-word description of President Abraham Lincoln's character?

[David Lockmiller]

(10-08-2023 01:13 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  David,
Forgetting for a moment that it's been 40 years since I read the book, why would it matter if Hendrick discussed or did not discuss any of Lincoln's foibles? Your highlighted text makes it appear to you that Hendrick shares in your hero worship. Whether he does or doesn't is irrelevant. Besides, I think a strong argument could be made that Lincoln made deep errors in his cabinet selections. I can't think of anyone who believes Simon Cameron was a great choice. Maybe Lincoln was impressed by the fact that he believed Cameron wouldn't steal a hot stove.

Also, Salmon Chase was a poor choice. I don't believe for a moment that no one else in Washington could run the Treasury Department. Chase was not a loyal cabinet member and did what he could to undermine his boss, which is not a great resume bullet point.

David, it appears to me that you don't believe Lincoln was all that great. After all, if criticism of Lincoln could lead to the ruin of his "character and reputation," as you so often put it, how great a person could he be? You most definitely are free to remain living with your child-like viewpoint of Lincoln but realize that the rest of us have grown up. While the vast majority of us still admire Lincoln despite his frailties and vices, we don't fear them like you do.

Best
Robv

Was your reply supposed to make sense? If so, it was a complete failure.

According to you, in all my previous posts I was attempting to "deify" President Abraham Lincoln. Now, in this post, you state: "it appears to me that you don't believe Lincoln was all that great."

I was born on May 30. That makes me mercurial, in your opinion, I suppose.

And, thank you for granting me the permission to maintain my personal viewpoint of President Abraham Lincoln.

I am glad we both live under protections afforded by the Constitution to express ourselves freely. Although, sometimes, I wonder whether or not you are native to this planet and therefore do not have all of the constitutional rights of native born United States citizens.

You also wrote: "Maybe Lincoln was impressed by the fact that he believed Cameron wouldn't steal a hot stove." You do realize that was a stolen line, don't you? Your background as a journalist should have "shouted" to you to provide attribution.