Time of Turmoil --
A Visit with Abe
Monday, November 5, 2012
I have been relieved Obama is trending to a win, but rather troubled by our political climate. Even God slapping the tin foil hats off the right-wing climate deniers is not enough to allow a rational science based debate. It seems an Age of Reason was so 18th Century. Our age is all glitz and inane you-tube videos. This allows a plutocracy (read Chrystia Freeland) to control policy, politics, and even science. Policy motivated by short-sighted greed is never beneficial, even for those who advocate it. Yes, I have been dismayed as obstructionism, gridlock, and irrationality are the probable outcome of Tuesday.
I had two tests in Springfield to take on Friday. It is required to serve in my part time local government job. I finished early. I had parked by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. I decided to drop in again and to reflect on Abe and American politics.
I like to take people to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum for their first time. The media presentations always capture the attention of the less than history buff types. It was a relatively slow time for the museum, there were a few school groups. The average age was probably 10 even with my maturity tipping the other way. These kids loved the Ghosts of the Library and Eyes of Lincoln exhibit. I went through the hall that displays traveling exhibits, this time weapons and medical treatments during the Civil War. I like to take people to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum for their first time. The media presentations always capture the attention of the less than history buff types. It was a relatively slow time for the museum, there were a few school groups. The average age was probably 10 even with my maturity tipping the other way. These kids loved the Ghosts of the Library and Eyes of Lincoln exhibit. I went through the hall that displays traveling exhibits, this time weapons and medical treatments during the Civil War. A visit makes evident somber reminders of the cost of separation and extremism in American politics.
Lincoln was treated with great disrespect, his re-election thought impossible until Sherman's capture of Atlanta in September. In the same week or timeframe from the election as the Democratic Convention was this year. Lincoln was called a Black Republican, gorilla, etc. while Obama a Kenyan, halfrican, etc. Once again our nation faces a regional divide. This year's election is November 6th the same as in 1860.