The first and last Republican president we've had that was worth a shit!
I won't waste a lot of time speaking of "The Great Emancipator's" accomplishments, you should know them already and be able to admire the man.
But I will say to all those historical revisionists who want to cast a shadow over the man in the interest of selling their cute little books...
I know it's difficult for you to believe that a man could be this insightful and well-spoken.
I know it's difficult for you to believe that a person really can be true to his moral core.
I know it's difficult for you to believe that an intelligent person should want to serve his fellow man.
Especially when the best you have to compare him to is George W., his Daddy George the First or his Daddy's ex-boss Little Ronnie Ray-gun (Alzheimer's couldn't have happened to a nicer guy...guess he shouldn't have put the kibosh on stem-cell research...might have saved his feeble mind).
But you can believe it. Some people really ARE better than everyone else. Lincoln lived in a time before scoreless soccer games where everyone receives a participation ribbon. Grown-ups used to be smart and reliable.
There are smart people out there.
There are good people out there.
I'm just glad we had Abe around before they all gave up on the rest of us.
Thanks Abe. Happy birthday.
From one "Abe" fan (Lincoln not Vigoda)to another...I like the cut of your jib.
ReplyDelete"What constitutes the bullwork of our liberty and independence? Not our frowning battlements - our Army and Navy. Our defense is in the spirit which prizes Liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit, and you have planted the seeds of despotism at your doors".
ReplyDelete"Familiarize yourself with the chains of bondage, and you prepare your own limbs to wear them. Accustomed to the trampling on the rights of others? You have lost the genius of your own independence, and become fit subjects for the first cunning tyrant who rises among you".
"Whether it is right, or wrong.. to trample on the rights of others, that is the real issue. The issue that will continue in this country, long after the poor tongues of Judge Douglas and myself shall be silent".
-Abraham Lincoln, 1858
Boy did he know it!
If you can, look around for a mp3 or audiobook of LA Theatre Work's production last year of "The Rivalry" by Norman Corwin. Paul Giamatti as Stephen A. Douglas and David Strathairn as Abraham Lincoln. Riveting, and rather topical even in relation to current events.
ReplyDeleteIt was the best 40 bucks I spent last year to see it live.
Marco - I'll definitely look around for it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLoren - I like the cut of your jib too! And Abe Vigoda's for that matter.
All you fuckin' ragboat sailors get off the lawn! And take your jibs with you.
ReplyDelete