Lincoln is watching

[Mr Hedley Bowes]

Today, our precinct is voting at a temporary polling location due to construction on the school where we typically cast our ballots. As I walked up to the entrance, I saw the old cast bust of Abraham Lincoln, seemingly watching from within a plexiglas case. My kid has asked me about 'the big scary head' every time we walked by, and I've explained to him how Abraham Lincoln changed the nation by freeing the slaves. He's a little too young to understand the meaning of the Civil War (we'll get into that in the next few years).

Seeing Abraham Lincoln this morning, as I cast my vote for the first President of African-American roots, brought a wave of emotion over me: how far we've come as a nation, as a people.

Today, we realize the vision of our greatest leaders: Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr, and so many others have lighted the way. Leaders who sacrificed so much to give meaning to the words that begin our Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

Today, we honor these leaders. Today, we once again give life to their spirits. The election of Barack Obama marks a major chapter in our Republic. I'm awed how our nation and the world shares this hope and potential.

To my friends who've crossed over from 'the party of Lincoln' to give Barack Obama their support and trust: thank you. Abraham Lincoln is watching this morning and I saw him through my own tears of joy and hope.

Today, we give voice and meaning to the Dream. Today, the Dream is real.

[SweetieD]

1. Lincoln may have freed the slaves. But he did not support civil rights/equal rights for Blacks.

There isn't anything to support that Lincoln would have thought a black person was capable of being President. Sorry to rain on your parade. But there are many other courageous leaders to thank for this day who were much more important to the struggle.

[Mr Hedley Bowes]

2. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step n/t

[Sequoia]

6. He was never given the chance.

Wasn't it Senator Byrd who was once a KKK and in his very senior years had a change of heart? Give Abe the benefit of the doubt that he probably would've supported equal rights. It seems to me I did read something he said about that very thing shortly before he was assinated but can't think of the source.

[Veruca Salt]

7. Read Frederick Douglass on Lincoln for proper perspective on

the history of the abolitionist movement during the civil war.

[Tesibria]

3. Thank you for your story

As with all humans, Lincoln wasn't perfect.

However, but FOR Lincoln, whose shoulders those who followed stood on, we wouldn't be here.

I too am awed at the power, hope, and potential evidenced by today's election.

The dream is real.

[Mr Hedley Bowes]

4. Thank you Tesibria

I'm so moved. We stand on the shoulders of giants today.

[azmouse]

5. Makes me think of the final words of the Gettysburg Address.

...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.