Robert E Lee The Great Emancipator

[tblunk]

I've often wondered what the post-war era would have looked like if Lincoln hadn't been killed. Would he still be considered one of the best presidents? Was he killed at the apex of his presidency, and spared a long bitter downhill slide?

He probably would have been better than Johnson, because Lincoln had more political skill and more political capital to spend. But would his willingness to compromise have watered down his legacy?

[My Name Is Kate]

After reading post #87 and others, I understand better how Lee could be said to be "responsible" for the Emancipation Proclamation, and Hitler for the creation of Israel. But those were unintended consequences of their actions, so it's not at all the same thing as saying they deserve credit for it, except in the most ironic sense. In Hitler's case, it was poetic justice.

[Laurie Verge]

Good point, Kate.

[LincolnMan]

(06-12-2013 11:07 PM)My Name Is Kate Wrote:  After reading post #87 and others, I understand better how Lee could be said to be "responsible" for the Emancipation Proclamation, and Hitler for the creation of Israel. But those were unintended consequences of their actions, so it's not at all the same thing as saying they deserve credit for it, except in the most ironic sense. In Hitler's case, it was poetic justice.

A crucial distinction.