Our poor president. His opponents have called the war "...a most bloody and costly failure." As one foe put it, "Defeat, debt, taxation, sepulchers--these are your trophies." However, the poor president I speak of isn't President Bush. These comments are not about the war in Iraq. They are descriptions of the Civil War and then President Abraham Lincoln, made by Lincoln's contemporaries.
Some said that Lincoln had converted the government into despotism, all for that most ignoble cause--abolition. There were those who even called for President Lincoln's imprisonment. Tired of the growing body count, they wanted to end the war, even if it meant continued slavery. They believed that Lincoln had consistently acted unconstitutionally in conducting the war.
Sound familiar? And if you think President Bush has overstepped his bounds, think of this: Lincoln put into motion the arrest of hundreds of Southern sympathizers across the North, including newspaper editors. Let the White House press corps chew on that one for a whiles.
Whatever the similarities and differences between these two presidents, it seems evident that both of them have been motivated by a firm belief that their actions were not only justified, but imperative. When I hear about Lincoln's firm resolve regarding the preservation of the Union, it amazes me to think about how easy it would have been in the years since for other countries to overthrow a loosely-formed confederation of states that were not joined in such a solid union.
What then of our current conflict? Could the outcome of the present struggle possibly be as critical to the course of history?
Only time will tell.
Source of quotes: Wyatt Kingseed. "The Fire in the Rear." American History August 2007: 47-51
8 comments:
Bush is an idiot. Lincoln is not.
You're right, Dad. Only time will tell. I wonder if we will be around to find out.
While maintaining my overly crass belief in my first post, let me try and make a more thoughtful comment. :)
I can't for the life of me envision Bush being revered like Lincoln for two reasons. First, Bush used false pretenses and fear (WMDs) to gain support for a war in Iraq. Even though good may come out of it, the end doesn't justify the means in my opinion. Second, Lincoln was involved in a clearly defined civil war with two sides. Bush has us involved in an ambiguous "war on drugs" type conflict that supersedes political boundaries. I just don't see the connection at all despite what one Lincoln critic said.
As a bonus, Lincoln was a good orator. Bush? Not so much, if at all.
Blake: Excellent points! Other than their emphatic belief of the necessity of their respective wars despite the surrounding opposition, the two presidents probably don't have a lot in common (I was also struck by the similarity of accusations toward both presidents). Nor do I anticipate eventual development of the kind of reverence for Bush that exists for Lincoln. And amen to the point that Lincoln most definitely had acquired a level of eloquence that Bush unfortunately does not have. I think that many of Bush’s current problems stem from his inability to articulate his ideas. I often cringe while listening to him speak at press conferences.
I sometimes ask myself whether it would be better to have as president an immoral genius or a moral dunce. I think I’d prefer the latter. Regardless of which of these President Bush is, and even if he is happens to be an immoral dunce, is it possible that he is carrying out a higher plan without even knowing it? I guess that is the essence of my post—not whether or not Bush is as good as Lincoln in any way, but whether or not history will show that the course he has set will be the right one.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes...
(note the company name in this picture)
All I can say is, Romney 08!! Wouldn't THAT be an interesting outcome of this years election!? No matter who is the next elected president all I can do is wonder how a new office-holder will be able to take the reigns of this country's current state. *crosses fingers for foreign mission*
and a a stunning post dad! bravo!
That was a sad day when they took that "toe-truck" down. Seeing that picture brought back fun memories of going to the Science Center to watch IMAX movies!
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