One Hundred and Fifty Years Ago On This Day

[Zeke]

This is not a denigration but I often believe that Lincoln is overwrought.

Any reasonably competent leader would look down, see that he has a relatively weak hand, but know that the only manner in which to preserve the nation is to move all in.

1. He gets away with it.
2. He gets killed.

Suddenly, he's a Top Five President.

Again, not knocking but I believe we lose some candor due to his manner of death. (Similar occurred with Kennedy.)

Am I the only person who thinks this?

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Zeke

This is not a denigration but I often believe that Lincoln is overwrought.

Any reasonably competent leader would look down, see that he has a relatively weak hand, but know that the only manner in which to preserve the nation is to move all in.

1. He gets away with it.
2. He gets killed.

Suddenly, he's a Top Five President.

Again, not knocking but I believe we lose some candor due to his manner of death. (Similar occurred with Kennedy.)

Am I the only person who thinks this?

I tend to agree with you, only I couldn't see any percentage in me saying anything.

But since you brought it up.

Chas

[donquixote99]

Originally Posted by Zeke

This is not a denigration but I often believe that Lincoln is overwrought.

Any reasonably competent leader would look down, see that he has a relatively weak hand, but know that the only manner in which to preserve the nation is to move all in.

1. He gets away with it.
2. He gets killed.

Suddenly, he's a Top Five President.

Again, not knocking but I believe we lose some candor due to his manner of death. (Similar occurred with Kennedy.)

Am I the only person who thinks this?

The death was a trauma that created a massive sense-of-loss and veneration-reaction. Same seen with Kennedy.

But I think Lincoln had political chops that Kennedy never dreamed of, a gift of eloquence of very rare quality, and at bottom a profound human decency that actually justifies the veneration, even if it didn't directly create it.