Lincoln's Birthday

Today, February 12th, is the birthday (in 1809) of one of our greatest presidents - Abraham Lincoln.

He led the country through the Civil War (and did a much better job of it than some other presidents have led other wars*), and engaged in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates, which set a standard for political debate that will never be matched by any of the sorry pretenders infesting Washington today.

He was a self-educated man and a brilliant speaker ... his Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural are unmatched in American oratory. What American political figure today could give a speech including the words

"With malice toward none, with charity for all ..."

I don't see words like those coming out of the mouth of any current political gasbag - particularly on today's far right.

Abraham Lincoln was a flawed man, to be sure, as we all are. But he was a good man and the right leader at the right time. Those who today bandy his name and image to sell cars and mattresses at Presidents Day sales, or pretend to embody his image and philosophy while demonstrating the opposite with their behavior, have no idea of Lincoln's legacy.

Happy Birthday, Abe! I'm sorry you have to look down and see the mess our government has become.

Have a good day. Do a little reading on one of our greatest presidents and learn what we've lost.

Be here tomorrow for the nomination of this month's Right Cheek Ass Clown. More thoughts then.

Bilbo

* Yes, W, I'm talking to you.