Lessons from a Great American

I want to do something rather different for my blog this week. I know that a lot is happening around the world - more earthquakes in Japan, continued economic unrest, the trial of former Egyptian President Mubarak now underway in Egypt, a lingering war in Libya, and a growing famine in the horn of Africa. Then there is the incessant heat wave that has literally camped out over the nation's southwest and central plains. Each of the above could provide material for many blogs. But I want to focus this week upon a comparison and contrast.

Last week Marlys and I had the privilege of traveling to Springfield, IL with our kids from Rochester. Our goal was to introduce our two granddaughters to one of my heroes - Abraham Lincoln. And we were not disappointed. Friends, it is worth the time and effort to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum there in Springfield. We spent over six hours there, and I am sure we could have spent more time. It is an amazing place with special theatre presentations and remarkable displays to help us in our understanding of our nation's 16th President.

As many of you know, Mr. Lincoln was not always a success. He failed twice in business as a store clerk and owner. (You can visit his two stores located in New Salem, just northwest of Springfield). He often was defeated in his pursuit of political office - being elected only once to the United States House of Representatives, and being defeated twice for the United States Senate seat from Illinois. But he developed a successful legal practice in Springfield and was renown throughout central Illinois for his honesty.

The year 1858 was a pivotal year for this young lawyer from Springfield. He ran against Stephen Douglas, known as the "little giant," for the Senate seat. A series of seven debates throughout Illinois began to put Abraham Lincoln upon the national political map. And, although he lost the election - in those days, senate seats were filled by appointment by the state legislatures, the nation took notice of this 6 foot 4 inch giant from America's heartland.

And, as we know, in November 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. He knew that the task before him was a great one. Putting his politics aside, he began to assemble his Cabinet. Three of the men who had so strongly opposed him during the Republican convention held in 1860 in Chicago were invited to serve on his Cabinet. Lincoln wanted the best gifted men in those strategic positions.

Here is what challenged me as I toured through the Museum. Lincoln had a unwavering vision of a united America. He could not and would not accept the rush toward secession that was occurring through the South. His goal was to unify our nation; and it was with that intent that the Civil War was begun in April 1861. Only later did Lincoln come to the conclusion that the emancipation of slavery should be included as an outcome of the war.

I think it safe to say that Abraham Lincoln embodied bipartisan politics. He was an American before he was a Republican. And he had a strong commitment to his vision for America. This determination, I believe, ultimately led to the North winning the Civil War and to the reunification of America. At times I am convinced he might have been tempted to retreat from that vision - his four years as president were a challenge that unequalled any other, but he did not.

After spending several hours at the Museum, we returned to our hotel. Turning on the television we focused on the debacle happening in Washington over the "debt ceiling" crisis. I made a comment to Marlys about the contrast between what we had just observed at the Museum and were observing now in Washington. It seems that today men and women are politicians first, then are Americans. Where is a vision for a united America? Who is up to the challenge of standing upon principles, not of party, but of country? Who is willing to perhaps forfeit another election for the sake of doing what is right?

As we drove away from Springfield last Sunday, I was encouraged in heart by the life and example of one of the greatest Americans who has ever lived. We can and need to learn much from his life.