John J. Dwyer's Abraham Lincoln, Stepfather of Our Country

“Anyone who embarks on a study of Abraham Lincoln … must first come to terms with the Lincoln myth. The effort to penetrate the crust of legend that surrounds Lincoln … is both a formidable and intimidating task. Lincoln, it seems, requires special considerations that are denied to other figures.”

— Robert W. Johannsen
Lincoln, the South, and Slavery

Indeed, it would not seem a safe time to critique the wisdom, motivations, and character of Abraham Lincoln. Steven Spielberg’s reverential motion picture epic Lincoln fills screens across America. The public increasingly accepts him as America’s greatest leader. Academics from the Left — and Right — compete to bestow the grandest laurels on the 16th president.

Yet, such a pursuit is ever more important for a people hurtling forward into an uncertain future, to learn from past mistakes or merely become aware they made them. One growing consensus regarding Lincoln seems credible: He has exerted more influence over the development of this nation than any other person, including the Founders. If Washington be the father of our country, surely Lincoln is its stepfather.

This article will examine the significance of this truly larger-than-life figure’s actions regarding three of the many important issues of his time: 1) the Constitution, in particular during the War Between the States, 2) emancipation and blacks, and 3) the Radical Republicans and Reconstruction.

Congress Fear Mongering

"Conservatives" are conserving Obama’s radical budget. 

The negotiated budget cuts 

are only to Obama's "proposed" budget, 

the result of which is still 

a huge INCREASE in spending, 

 just something less than he asked for.


Ron Paul's understanding is so valuable that they have to show respect for him to keep their credibility with people.

We've Been Neo-Conned by Rep. Ron Paul

"The modern-day, limited-government movement has been co-opted...

Taxes do not go down — even if we vote to lower them.

They can't, as long as spending is increased,

since all spending must be paid for one way or another."

We've Been Neo-Conned by Rep. Ron Paul