It’s a Free Country. For How Much Longer?

[David Lockmiller]

When I argue with you, David, it always takes me back to my childhood, given that I gave up your viewpoint of Lincoln at age 8 for a more mature picture of who he was. I do think you would be money ahead to buy a book on how idioms are used. I'm sure a city as big as San Francisco has a few bookstores. Maybe try to find a book that presents a more mature and nuanced view of Lincoln while you're at it.

Best
Rob

Why buy a book? One can Google online "err on the side of caution" and select dictionary.com from the options available.

idiom: to reduce risk by planning or acting more carefully than might seem absolutely necessary.

for example: Budget for all your known expenses, but err on the side of caution by also allowing funds for unforeseen circumstances.

[Rob Wick]

You should buy a book because he did not write "Err on the side of caution."

Best
Rob

[David Lockmiller]

You should buy a book because he did not write "Err on the side of caution."

Best
Rob

You are right. My post #3 reads: Lincoln erred on the side of governmental strength.

Lincoln was not at all excessive in the exercise of government strength to ensure that the New York troops did arrive in Washington to protect the national government.