Remembering Lincoln

Friday, Feb. 12, will mark the 207th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Next to George Washington, he

is the most remembered president in our nation’s history. In fact, he is only one of four presidents for whom the entire nation had a moment of silence at his death (Washington, John Quincy Adams and John F. Kennedy were the others).

As we are now entering another election year, let us examine his character. He was not afraid to admit when he was wrong: Stanton, his secretary of war, called him a “damned fool” for ordering a troop movement in order to please a senator. Lincoln said “if Stanton says I’m a damned fool, then I must be one.” He immediately visited Stanton’s office and undid his order.

He was humble: During his term, Lincoln never failed to acknowledge his reliance on God. His most famous speech, the Gettysburg Address, mentions God no less than three times. He never asked for any favors. Unlike other presidents, there is no library named after him.

Most of today’s candidates lack in one or both of these traits. Remember Abe when you fill out your ballot. As for me, I’m going to write in a vote for Colin Powell.

Douglas Benn

Spokane