Saturday, February 16, 2008
Men of Their Times: The Similarities between Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama
This country, so united during the beginning of its existence, had become fractured. The issues involved were, in many ways, masked in the obvious but were much more about the mistrust of one for another. One side was sure they were right, as was the other. The lines were so well drawn.
The issue dominating this country was slavery. It was the horrible practice keeping freedom from thousands upon thousands of people who had been brought to this country against their will. By the time the 1860 presidential elections came, the country was on the precipice of dissolution. All were filled with anger or fear.
What was most needed, at that all important time, was a leader who understood the sacrifices and possibilities ahead for our country. Some were sure that a man with much experience was called for. But the electorate knew better.
The newly formed Republican Party, which had grown out of the remnants of the old Whig Party, was gathering for their nominating convention. Although there was no primary system, four men were positioning themselves to become the nominee.
Most of those in the running for the nomination had much experience, having served as governors, congressmen and senators. They were learned, caring, committed men who had already served their country with distinction. But, this experience did not lead them to their party’s nomination.
The man nominated by the Republican Party had held elected office all of twice. He served in those positions for a total of ten years, eight years in the Illinois state legislature and two years in the U.S. Congress.
During his time in congress, Lincoln had taken a bold stand against the Mexican-American War. He saw it as nothing more than President James Polk’s desire for military glory. In fact, he went to the floor of the House and said “God of Heaven has forgotten to defend the weak and innocent, and permitted the strong band of murderers and demons from hell to kill men, women, and children, and lay waste and pillage the land of the just.” He knew he was risking his political future, but he also knew he had to speak the truth.
Even with his lack of experience as an office-holder, he had a keen grasp of the challenges and possibilities of our nation. He was eloquent in his speeches, lifting those who heard him from their fear and trepidation to see the higher calling of this country. He knew how to bring those of divergent ideas and beliefs together for the good of all.
We know now that his abilities saved this nation. Abraham Lincoln didn’t need experience in office to know what was needed or what was right. He brought the best out of those in his administration and in our country. He was known for his ability to listen to all, and learn from them.
Although the issues confronting this nation are quite different in 2008 than they were in 1860, the underlying issue is the same. Can we really say we trust each other, that we trust our government?
Today, our country is fractured. We are in the midst of a war, which we were lied to about from the beginning. We have segregated ourselves by race, sex, religion and political beliefs. There is no desire by those in power to bring us together as a nation.
The Democratic Party, which has much the same populist message as the Republican Party did in its early years, is now looking for a nominee to bring this country together.
Those who started in this race had experience across the political spectrum. Governors, senators, congressmen, ambassadors; the experiences of those running are every bit as impressive as those of who were running for the nomination in 1860.
This field of candidates has been whittled down to two. One of these candidates is a relative newcomer to the political scene. Barack Obama announced his candidacy on the steps of the Old State Capital in Springfield, the same place Lincoln had spoken out against slavery. The same place where Lincoln had dipped his toes in the waters of public service and began his career.
This man had actually served eight years in the Illinois State Senate, the exact amount of time Lincoln had served there. To this point, he also has served three years as a U.S. Senator, surpassing Lincoln’s experience in overall public office time.
Just as Lincoln had done as he served in the Congress, Barack Obama spoke out against a coming war which George W. Bush seemed determined to send our country into. In 2002, months before the war began, he said “I don’t oppose all wars. And I know that in this crowd today, there is no shortage of patriots, or of patriotism. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz and other arm-chair, weekend warriors in this Administration to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne.”
Barack Obama is a man very similar to Abraham Lincoln. They spent their early years serving the common man, Lincoln as a lawyer representing the poor and middle class of his area, Obama as a community organizer in south Chicago. Both men are known for the ability to listen and their soaring oratory. Above all, they are known for their honesty and integrity.
There are those who believe that experience is what will bring this nation together. But what experience are we talking about. Playing politics with our future? Trying to improve their standing and power base by beating down others with words and deeds.
Just as 1860, this country needs a person to bring together the people and help them learn to trust each other and their government again. Barack Obama seems to be the Lincoln of his time. Just as in 1860, it is the electorate which will make that come to pass.
The issue dominating this country was slavery. It was the horrible practice keeping freedom from thousands upon thousands of people who had been brought to this country against their will. By the time the 1860 presidential elections came, the country was on the precipice of dissolution. All were filled with anger or fear.
What was most needed, at that all important time, was a leader who understood the sacrifices and possibilities ahead for our country. Some were sure that a man with much experience was called for. But the electorate knew better.
The newly formed Republican Party, which had grown out of the remnants of the old Whig Party, was gathering for their nominating convention. Although there was no primary system, four men were positioning themselves to become the nominee.
Most of those in the running for the nomination had much experience, having served as governors, congressmen and senators. They were learned, caring, committed men who had already served their country with distinction. But, this experience did not lead them to their party’s nomination.
The man nominated by the Republican Party had held elected office all of twice. He served in those positions for a total of ten years, eight years in the Illinois state legislature and two years in the U.S. Congress.
During his time in congress, Lincoln had taken a bold stand against the Mexican-American War. He saw it as nothing more than President James Polk’s desire for military glory. In fact, he went to the floor of the House and said “God of Heaven has forgotten to defend the weak and innocent, and permitted the strong band of murderers and demons from hell to kill men, women, and children, and lay waste and pillage the land of the just.” He knew he was risking his political future, but he also knew he had to speak the truth.
Even with his lack of experience as an office-holder, he had a keen grasp of the challenges and possibilities of our nation. He was eloquent in his speeches, lifting those who heard him from their fear and trepidation to see the higher calling of this country. He knew how to bring those of divergent ideas and beliefs together for the good of all.
We know now that his abilities saved this nation. Abraham Lincoln didn’t need experience in office to know what was needed or what was right. He brought the best out of those in his administration and in our country. He was known for his ability to listen to all, and learn from them.
Although the issues confronting this nation are quite different in 2008 than they were in 1860, the underlying issue is the same. Can we really say we trust each other, that we trust our government?
Today, our country is fractured. We are in the midst of a war, which we were lied to about from the beginning. We have segregated ourselves by race, sex, religion and political beliefs. There is no desire by those in power to bring us together as a nation.
The Democratic Party, which has much the same populist message as the Republican Party did in its early years, is now looking for a nominee to bring this country together.
Those who started in this race had experience across the political spectrum. Governors, senators, congressmen, ambassadors; the experiences of those running are every bit as impressive as those of who were running for the nomination in 1860.
This field of candidates has been whittled down to two. One of these candidates is a relative newcomer to the political scene. Barack Obama announced his candidacy on the steps of the Old State Capital in Springfield, the same place Lincoln had spoken out against slavery. The same place where Lincoln had dipped his toes in the waters of public service and began his career.
This man had actually served eight years in the Illinois State Senate, the exact amount of time Lincoln had served there. To this point, he also has served three years as a U.S. Senator, surpassing Lincoln’s experience in overall public office time.
Just as Lincoln had done as he served in the Congress, Barack Obama spoke out against a coming war which George W. Bush seemed determined to send our country into. In 2002, months before the war began, he said “I don’t oppose all wars. And I know that in this crowd today, there is no shortage of patriots, or of patriotism. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz and other arm-chair, weekend warriors in this Administration to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne.”
Barack Obama is a man very similar to Abraham Lincoln. They spent their early years serving the common man, Lincoln as a lawyer representing the poor and middle class of his area, Obama as a community organizer in south Chicago. Both men are known for the ability to listen and their soaring oratory. Above all, they are known for their honesty and integrity.
There are those who believe that experience is what will bring this nation together. But what experience are we talking about. Playing politics with our future? Trying to improve their standing and power base by beating down others with words and deeds.
Just as 1860, this country needs a person to bring together the people and help them learn to trust each other and their government again. Barack Obama seems to be the Lincoln of his time. Just as in 1860, it is the electorate which will make that come to pass.
# posted by Kevin @ 3:49 PM 
