Abraham Lincoln

Today is Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday.

I've just begun learning about him. He was a man of dedication and conviction.
He was also funny and could be stern; a principled man.

A letter from President Lincoln to Colonel Robert Allen. Dated June 21, 1836:

"Dear Colonel,
I am told that during my absence last week you passed thorough the place and stated publicly that you were in possession of a fact or facts which, if known to the public, would entirely destroy the prospects of N.W. Edwards and myself at the coming election, but that through favor to us you would forbear to divulge them. No one has needed favors more than I, and few, generally, have been less unwilling to accept them; but in this case favor to me would be injustice to the public, and therefore I must beg your pardon for declining it.
"That I once had the confidence of the people of Sangamon County is sufficiently evident; and if I have done anything, either by design or misadventure, which if known would subject me to a forfeiture of that confidence, he that knows of that thing and conceals it is a traitor to his country's interest.
"I find myself wholly unable to form any conjecture of what fact or facts, real or supposed, you spoke; but my opinion of your veracity will not permit me for a moment to doubt that you at least believed what you said. I am flattered with the personal regard you manifested for me; but I do hope that, on mature reflection, you will view the public interest as a paramount consideration and therefore determine to let the worst come..
"I assure you that the candid statement of facts on your part, however low it may sink me, shall never break the ties of personal friendship between us.
"I wish an answer to this, and you are at liberty to publish both if you choose.
"Very respectfully,
"A. Lincoln."

Now I don't know if Colonel Allen ever published his remarks, for this discussion I don't care. What I care about is Mr. Lincoln's integrity.
It was more important to him that the people judge him accurately, than to win an election; that the people have all the information they needed to make an informed choice.

I also read once recently that President Lincoln had prayed for help in securing the Union and that if God should help him succeed, then he would free the slaves. He was a man of his word. Something sorely missing in today's politicians.

Happy Birthday Mr. President.

Happy Birthday Mr. President

Today is Ronald Reagan's birthday. It's because of him that I became interested in politics.
His wit and warmth were the welcome mat of my political awakening.

I had registered to vote in High School, I think everyone did that spring. That was the end of it as far as I was concerned; I didn't pay any attention at all for the next year or so. I had gotten the extra credit, I was happy, because I NEEDED extra credit :)

Then, there was a vague knowledge that Iran was holding some Americans hostage, but I was 19, and that was literally a world away.

I don't even remember if I voted that November of 1980.

Then something happened. Ronald Reagan was sworn in, and the hostages were released.

It struck me as very important that the hostages were released when they were. It quickly became obvious that the terrorists knew President Reagan was not of the same mold as the previous president Jimmy Carter. No tip toeing around; no negotiating.

They were acutely aware that this new president was a man who meant what he said, and said what he meant. He would come after them; hunt them down and get our citizens back safe.

Mr. Reagan never backed down. I still get choked up when I hear a clip of him in West Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate: "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall."

His voice clear and strong. The people in the East were inspired, and not long after, that wall did come down.

Ronald Reagan is one of my hero's. It's partly because of him that I am who I am today.

So, Happy Birthday Mr. President; we sure miss you. Wish you were here.