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Thursday, February 12, 2004
"The Better Angels of Our Nature"
For Lincoln's Birthday, a quote from his first inaugural address, which ended with a message to the Secessionists whom Lincoln would soon oppose in the bloodiest war in America's history:
I am loth to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stre[t]ching from every battle-field, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
February 12, 2004 in Culture, History, Religion & Metaphysics | Permalink
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Comments
If only Lincoln was still memorized in schools. If only his memory was still honored by a just recognition of his role as a prudent statesman--one of the greatest the world has ever seen. He transcends party politics, and allows us a glimpse of politics in the highest sense.
Speaking of which, what do you think of modern memorials--most seem to be horrible monstrousities. This part of architecture is obviously of serious importance to any political community. The Lincoln memorial is one of the most impressive ever built, I think. Most people do not LIKE the newly proposed Sept. 11th memorials. How does one use the wisdom of the people (in this case) to break the stranglehold of the prevailing views of the academy? Are there any artists out there who could or do design beautiful memorials and the like?
Posted by: Kodiak at Feb 28, 2004 6:05:41 PM
I can't say that I disagree. However, since we left the classics we have often been disturbed by the newest in design. It's likely that some will be dismissed. Some will be accepted and, in time, be treasured.
As for Lincoln, he was a treasure to be remembered. Lincoln and Jefferson, among a few. When was the last time we had a president who could write a speech? Or who could give a speech?
Posted by: Boh Prypin at Nov 25, 2007 9:41:25 PM
