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Floyd's Opinion
Lincoln StatueI just couldn't stand it any longer. I had to respond to this. January 12, 2003
Richmond Times-Dispatch Dear Sir, I had intended to stay out of the debate on the "Lincoln" statue on this page. However, your editorial column of January 12, "Emancipation" has forced my hand. Based on your writing we are to judge Lincoln by some of his many words. Forgetting of course that he was, in the words of Economist Murray Rothbard, "...a master politician, which means that he was a consummate conniver, manipulator, and liar." [in The Costs of War: America’s Pyrrhic Victories, ed. John Denson (New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction, 1997) pg. 131]. But owing to political leanings let us disregard Mr. Rothbard’s words and instead focus on the words of Mr. Lincoln himself. in Lincoln’s Reply to Douglas, Ottawa, Illinois, Aug. 21, 1858, "Mr. Lincoln stated, "I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between the white and black races. There is a physical difference between the two, which, in my judgment, will probably forever forbid their living together upon the footing of perfect equality; and inasmuch as it becomes a necessity that there must be a difference, I, as well as Judge Douglas, am in favor of the race to which I belong having the superior (emphasis added) position. I have never said anything to the contrary." Ah, such stirring words of compassion and reconciliation. Such a man must be honored, no? But as is the case with most politicians let us not judge Mr. Lincoln solely by his words. Indeed, the more accurate assessment can be seen in his deeds. Because of Mr. Lincoln our country suffered; the first war in which the federal (U.S.) government enacted a policy of specifically targeting for destruction civilians and their property, suspension of the writ of habeas corpus for the duration of his administration, the invasion of the south without consulting congress, the declaration of martial law, imprisoning without trial thousands of Northern citizens, arresting and imprisoning newspaper editors who were critical of him, creating several new states without the consent of the citizens of those states, ordering Federal troops to interfere with elections in the North by intimidating Democratic voters, and the list goes on and on. Because of Lincoln and his party’s policies we now enjoy in this country; a larger, centralized Federal government, a central bank, the subjugation of the American Indian, the income tax, the IRS, over 600,000 Americans killed, need I continue? If these things were said of any other politician would we attempt to honor such a man with a statue? A glowing column on the editorial page? God-like status in our nation’s history? No Sir! Not this conservative constitutionalist! Lincoln was no statesman. He was no "Great Emancipator". His real record, not the revisionist’s musings, is proof enough that he is not deserving of his vaunted place in our nation’s history. Rather he is more villain than saint. One must have the courage to believe the truth. Sincerely, Floyd C. Bayne p.s.- Mr. Editor, I realize that this missive is a tad long-winded, but I felt that the points made were important. Even if you choose not to print this letter I ask that you consider the points made as regards your editorial column "Emancipation". I would recommend as good reading the following; When in the Course of Human Events (Arguing the case for Southern Secession) by Charles Adams, Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc. The Real Lincoln (A New Look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War) by Thomas J. DiLorenzo, Forum Publishing
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