Illinois Newcomer Takes Historical (Not Personal) Swipe at Homestate Legend (moved from ATSNN)

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama said Sunday that he feels that though there is a large time between their lives, he is very similar to President Abraham Lincoln. He however stated that Lincoln's historical image as "The Great Emancipator" is inaccurate, and that the Emancipation Proclaimation is greatly misunderstood by the modern civil rights movement.



I wholly agree with Obama on the point of Lincoln's purpose for the Emancipation Proclaimation, but I doubt that Lincoln should be a hyped as he is made to be these days. Yes, he was our leader during a civil war, but in order to secure the nation he threw out the Constitution to do so. There was no place in the Constitution that stated that a state could not withdraw from the Union.

Lincoln also did not wish for the Proclaimation to become a major civil rights document. It was more of a military document, so as to increase his recruiting pool and generate support from another demographic of the population. This is very similar to what happened after the Patriot Act was passed. We all thought it was good, because it was said to be used to protect us and our rights. However, it in turn stripped us of many basic freedoms and has become a legendary piece of intrusive legislation.

This is strange, but refreshing to see some unconformity within African Politicians. The historical accuracy of Obama's statements show that there is some intelligence within the Democratic Party.

There is intelligence within any political party, it is just the bad apples that ruin the legislative process and the free flow of differing opinions. Neo-Cons and "Flaming" liberals are those who rain on the political parade.

Nice. Thank you.