Lincoln was a kind man,
the kindest
you could meet.
When he saw a beetle
on it’s back,
he set it on his feet.
I recited the above lines in a classroom play when I was in second grade. That was decades ago, but I’ve never forgotten them, and Abraham Lincoln remains my favorite president. Countless surveys of historians, biographers, politicians and everyday citizens prove that I am not alone. Abraham Lincoln consistently crowns the list of our most beloved presidents.
With so little of it in public discourse, it seems that Lincoln’s birthday is a good day to remind ourselves that kindness is a worthy measure of greatness — not just for children but for all of us. My worries about the world have grown since the days when I honored Lincoln by searching for ladybugs in distress. This year, I’ve chosen to honor him by sharing a few eerily relevent quotes. Nothing new here. Just the wise words of a beloved President whose wisdom is a timely warning.
Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular, the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others.
speech, Springfield, Illinois, January 27, 1838
Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.
speech, Kalamazoo, Michigan August 27, 1856
That is the issue that will continue in this country when these poor tongues of Judge Douglas and myself shall be silent. It is the eternal struggle between these two principles — right and wrong — throughout the world. They are the two principles that have stood face to face from the beginning of time, and will ever continue to struggle. The one is the common right of humanity and the other the divine right of kings.
Debate, Alton, Illinois, October 15, 1858
The people — the people are the rightful masters of both the congress and the courts — not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it.
notes for speech, Columbus & Cincinnati, September, 16 & 17, 1859
I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country; corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in High Places will follow, and the Money Power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people, until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands, and the Republic destroyed.
letter to Col. William F. Elkins, November 21, 1864
Lincoln was a kind man. He was also humble. Brave. Truthful. Courageous. Everything one would want in a leader. He is leading us still. Our favorite president. Are we brave enough to heed his warning? Do we love him enough to listen?
