On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:36:20 -0800, jps wrote:

On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:22:56 -0500, "Reginald P. Smithers III, Esq."
wrote:

jps wrote:
On Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:20:09 GMT, Wizard of Woodstock
wrote:

On Sun, 18 Jan 2009 09:29:41 -0500, hk wrote:

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...n_Portrait.flv
Another liberal arts major who doesn't know or remember his college
course in American History.

"There is a physical difference between the white and black races,
which will forever forbid the two races living together upon terms of
social and political equality.'' - Abraham Lincoln - 1858.

The Civil War wasn't about slavery - it was about preserving the Union
- that above all was Lincoln's primary goal. His Emancipation
Proclamation only served those who weren't under his control - namely
the Confederacy. He didn't free slaves under his own control.

Abraham Lincoln did not believe in the equality of black people. He
did, however -- and this was no minor distinction in his era --
believe in their humanity. He also abhorred slavery. But he was
willing to countenance it if doing so would have vindicated his
primary goal: to save the Union. For him, nothing mattered more.



Who knows what Lincoln might have felt 25 years after what you've
quoted?

jps,
Exactly, so one should not try to rewrite history, and should allow the
historical record to speak for itself. Tom's quick historical review
does accurately describe the historical record. It is not a racist
comment, but a historical comment. Harry tried to brand Tom's comment
as a racist comment made by right wing nutjobs. It isn't.

I don't doubt for a minute that right wing nutjobs would use any
portion of any comment to make their point, without regard to the
context or timing. Lincoln may have had a change of heart the next
week, don't expect the weak-of-mind right wing to admit it or bring it
forward on their own.

Have you ever noticed how many liberals resort to name-calling and personal
insults to back up their arguments?

Does that enhance your self-esteem? Does it make you the 'winner' in your
eyes?
--
John H

*A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. *