PRESIDENT'S DAY, WASHINGTON AND LINCOLN

PRESIDENT’S DAY, WASHINGTON AND LINCOLN

Twelve February used to be celebrated as "Lincoln Day." Unfortunately, in our estimation, the nation now celebrates "Presidents' Day" (next Monday), which combines the recognition of both Abraham Lincoln's birthday and that of George Washington—implying that these men were of equal standing as national leaders. They were not. In deference to historical accuracy, The Patriot Digest's essay this Friday will provide insight into the other side of Lincoln's legacy—the side that most history books don't mention. To wit, consider these words from "The Great Emancipator":


"I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in anyway the social and political equality of the white and black races—that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race."
—Abraham Lincoln, fourth debate with Stephen Douglas