Mark;

I would not try to persuade you that you are incorrect for three reasons:

1. It is your opinion and I always listen to a persons opinion.
2. Lincoln was one of the most compassionate world leaders in history, with concepts and conviction that truly made us a nation.
3. How could I disagree?

Both men were unusual and gave us much to be thankful for.

We were at the Huntington Library a few days ago and our son remarked, “I wish the Lincoln Exhibit was still here”! A few years ago the Lincoln Exhibit was to be displayed for a few days and was so popular it stayed for almost one year. Many of Lincoln’s personal letters were on display. The letters were very touching.

The Declaration of Independence, the exploits of Lewis and Clark (with the backing of Jefferson), and the Louisiana Purchase (doubling the size of the United States without firing a shot!) come to mind about Jefferson. His realization that the issue of slavery could not be solved if there was to be a nation built from the colonies but that that issue would have to be settled! Enter Lincoln! I enjoy Jefferson’s comments about, “the citizens have the right to overthrow a government that does not represent them”.

Definitely these were two great and exceptional men in our countries history. I believe we have had more great leaders than any other nation in world history. Considering the age of our country that is remarkable!

I exercise my "passive right of rebellion" every election. Sometimes I vote for the “winner”! :)

Tom


>>There is so much more to life than everyday existence. I have a great appreciation for the thoughts of those who have aroused our thinking. My favorite president is Jefferson, and he is also one of my favorite people to study.
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>For me, Jefferson is 1B to 1A Lincoln.
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>>We take many things for granted for many reasons. Trying to retain our existence is a full time accomplishment. It is important for me to reflect upon those writings that influenced why we became a nation. It pains me to see our land become much the way England was during the 18th century. We are forgetting our very foundations and why we are what we are.
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>Which is leading us ever further down the path of eroding liberties and freedoms.