Lincoln’s Timeless Truths or Presidential Wisdom, inspire and amaze this “old guy” with their relevancy to the current political divide. Where is the forthright and transparent dialogue that the electorate was promised. When Bummer says he’s discouraged with politics, it’s not only the lack of truth from all parties, but especially from the most powerful man on earth. Lincoln’s ability to unite the Union, rather than divide and conquer, became one of his most beloved attributes and some of his innate wisdom is evident here.
“What is conservatism? Is it not adherence to the old and tried, against the new and untried?”
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts……”
“You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.”
“If this country is ever demoralized, it will come from trying to live without work.”
“Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.”
“You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence”
“Our safety, our liberty, depends upon preserving the Constitution of the United States as our fathers made it inviolate. The people of the United States are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”
“That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another; but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence built.”
“No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar”
Lincoln’s Timeless Truths or Presidential Wisdom is a political attribute that many of the political power elite could use to unify, rather than alienate.
Bummer
I find this to be the case with most great politicians. FDR is another good example; his speeches would still (adjusting for modern issues) work well. I suppose you have to see so many mediocre politicians to be able to recognize a true leader.
Louis,
Sometimes the truth can set one free. Both Shakespeare and the Christ held this belief and wrote similar passages. Politicians seem to feel that the truth is a liability and the populace can’t handle the real story. It does not bode well for the future of our country. It may not come to pass in “this old guy’s” lifetime, but it may in Bummer’s children and grandchildren. Thanks for sharing and take care.
Bummer