Dennis -

I too have been following the Lincoln thread. I have learned a lot and even changed my opinion on some things. The knowledge of this board truely impresses me.

Dennis I just had to respond to your post. I think it is the most profound on this subject.

Lincoln may not have been the first, I think maybe Andrew Jackson, and he certainly wasn't the last to change his position as times changed; and they perceived that is what the voters wanted to hear and what it took to get themselves elected.

Whatever we each think of Lincoln we have to give him credit for being the consummate politician and most effective speechmaker of his time.

It is wrong to take the words of any politician, then or now out of context and try to apply them to support or disprove a different disscussion

You said it perfect. I just had to tell you I think it is the definite post on this subject