With Malice Toward None - The Life of Abraham Lincoln

"With Malice Toward None: A Life of Abraham Lincoln" by Stephen B. Oates, publisher: Harper and Row, copyright 1977.

This book takes the reader from birth to death in the life of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's biography goes beyond the textbook and brings even greater respect and deeper honor to this well known president. The first half of the book is spent detailing his career as a lawyer and politician, which reveals the character and determination of Lincoln as well as the development of his personal and political convictions.

The reader actually senses a climax as the presidential election of 1860 takes place with the Southern States seceding from the Union before Abraham Lincoln is even inaugurated. The book is thorough in its recount of Lincoln's supporters and detractors; including those men he surrounded himself with on a daily basis. For Civil War buffs this biography takes a different perspective; what the war looked like from the President's office. President Lincoln was a somber man of deep thought and concern for the responsibility he bore.

He stood firm on the principles he was elected on even amidst great pressure to compromise. Politics then were not that much different from politics now. In fact I was surprised to learn that there was a "Peace Movement" with demonstrations in the North, as well as "race riots" (white people were rioting.) It sounded very much like the tumultuous times of the Vietnam War. He anguished over the progress of the war with its casualties and his decision to emancipate the slaves at risk of further dividing our nation. I couldn't help but be impressed with the recounting of Gettysburg and the subsequent speech the President gave at the battlefield. His second inaugural speech was also moving, anticipating the end of the war; he sets forth the tone of reconciliation:

"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

President Abraham Lincoln was a man of great character. He had experienced tragedy on the personal as well as the national level, and yet had great compassion and sympathy for those around him. This book is well worth reading.

Terri Marks is a baby boomer wife, mother and grandmother in Madison, Wisconsin. She has a life full of colorful events and observations. Her hobbies are bird-watching, gardening and serving at her church. She publishes her own ezine at http://www.calicowoman.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terri_Marks http://www.pippoproducts.com/education/index.html

US Presidents Sites - Visiting the Home of America's 17th President

America's 17th president, Andrew Johnson, took office under the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Faced with healing the wounds of civil war and a divided government, Johnson faced insurmountable odds. Let's learn more about his life and presidency with a visit to his home in Greeneville, Tennessee...

President Andrew Johnson: An Overview

America's 17th president, Andrew Johnson, was thrust into the presidency by the tragic assassination of President Lincoln in April, 1865. Lincoln had just begun his second term. Amidst the transition of power, the final battles of the Civil War were being waged in western states, with news of Lee's surrender to Grant not having reached the western frontier.

Johnson, born in North Carolina but from Tennessee, knew his primary order of business was to reunite the states. He inherited Lincoln's cabinet members, many of whom were hostile to Johnson's ideas and approach.

In an effort to heal political and social wounds from the Civil War, Johnson granted amnesty to Confederates, which angered many in Congress and Johnson's Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton. Congress continually battled Johnson on his level of authority, with the president referring to the Constitution as the basis of his stance.

Ultimately, articles of impeachment were drawn to attempt to remove Johnson from the presidency. The required majority of votes was not achieved, and Johnson served the remainder of his term.

In retrospect, history has been much kinder to Johnson than during his tumultuous presidency. His actions surrounding acceptance of southern states back into the union are still felt in a positive way today. His administration was instrumental in the purchase of Alaska, which was acquired by the United States in 1867.

After his term ended, Johnson returned to Tennessee, where he had served as senator and governor before becoming vice president. He made two unsuccessful attempts to continue his political career as a representative and senator, finally winning a senate seat from Tennessee just before his death in 1875.

Touring Andrew Johnson's Home In Greeneville, Tennessee

Today, visitors can learn about Andrew Johnson by visiting the home he lived in for 24 years in Greeneville, Tennessee. Greeneville is located in the far eastern part of the state, about 100 miles east of Knoxville and a short drive from the North Carolina border.

Visitors should start at the visitor center, located downtown. Here you can obtain information about Johnson, his home, grave site, and other attractions in the area. A short film is available which chronicles his career and administration. It is here that you should obtain a required free ticket and tour time to tour the Johnson Homestead.

National Park Service Rangers lead daily tours of the Johnson home. The home has been restored to its 1875 appearance and includes numerous original furnishings donated by the Johnson family, who owned the home through 1958. Nearby, you can visit Johnson's grave site, high atop a hill overlooking the town and surrounding area.

While in the area, be sure to take time to stroll historic downtown Greeneville. This is a Main Street America community, with many examples of preserved architecture, independent shops, and welcoming restaurants. Outdoor activities abound in this part of Tennessee, and the setting in the midst of the Appalachians is scenic and invigorating.

Anyone interested in American history should seek out and visit the many U.S. Presidents sites across the country. These unique and fascinating historical sites chronicle the lives and times of America's presidents and offer an insiders perspective into the presidency. To learn more about the presidents and the historic sites dedicated to them, visit our travelogue site at: http://www.presidentialtravelusa.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman

US Presidents Sites - America's Three Most Forgotten Presidents

America has had 43 men hold the office of President of the United States, and many are well known by everyone from school children to senior citizens. However, as time passes, a few presidents have all but been forgotten. Let's look at America's three most forgotten presidents and the historic sites dedicated to their memory...

Quick, recite the names of ten men who have held the office of President of the United States. Chances are, if 100 people were asked this question, most of the answers would be the same. In addition to our current and most recent presidents, several familiar presidents would make the list. Undoubtedly, you would hear names like Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and Kennedy.

But what about a few others like Fillmore, Arthur, and Harding? These are a few of America's presidents who are all but forgotten, except by scholars and presidential historians. And yet, each of these men made important contributions to the United States, and the legacies of each can be visited today at their respective historic sites.

Millard Fillmore: 13th President

America's 13th president, Millard Fillmore, ascended to office when Zachary Taylor died after a brief illness just 16 months into his term. Fillmore held office during a tumultuous time, as the Civil War was less than ten years away and political and social divisions were deepening.

During the Fillmore administration, California was added as a state and the first official White House library was established. Today, you can visit President Fillmore's home in the quaint shopping town of East Aurora, New York, just outside of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Chester Arthur: 21st President

Much like Fillmore, Chester Arthur ascended to the presidency due to the death of his predecessor. When James Garfield was felled by an assassin and died six months into his term, Arthur assumed the office.

President Arthur is credited with modernizing the U.S. Navy and passing many legislative acts designed to limit patronage hiring in government. He was also instrumental in a remodeling effort of the White House.

Visitors can see a replica of his birthplace in upstate Vermont, not far from the Canadian border.

Warren G. Harding: 29th President

Depending on which historian you ask, Harding was either America's worst president or unfairly maligned by history. We are not here to judge either way, but Harding also served an abbreviated term. He took office in 1921 and passed away in 1923.

His administration is probably best remembered for several scandals, but new biographies have come out that paint Harding in a more favorable light. Few people know that President Harding was one of the first outspoken proponents of civil rights in America.

Today, you can see the home where Harding conducted his front porch presidential campaign. It is located in Marion, Ohio, about 45 minutes north of Columbus. The home is restored with many original furnishings and Harding mementos and is open for tours during the summer months.

Summary

While several of America's presidents have all but faded into obscurity, they should be remembered for holding the nations highest office. You can trace the lives and careers of these and other presidents at numerous historic sites located across the country.

Are you interested in exploring American presidents historic sites? These historical locations chronicle the lives and careers of the men who have held America's highest political office. For more information, visit our travelogue website dedicated to the discovery and appreciation of U.S. presidential historic sites. You'll find us at: http://www.presidentialtravelusa.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman

http://www.pippoproducts.com/education/index.html

Dick Cheney's History of Heart Problems

This past February Dick Cheney suffered his fifth heart attack. The former vice-president is 69. He seems to understand a great deal about his heart condition. It is common knowledge that he was once a heavy smoker. A friend of the family stated that Cheney is cautious and will make the decision to go to the hospital if he feels his heart is giving him problems. For his fifth heart attack Cheney was hospitalized at George Washington University Hospital. The announcement was that Cheney had suffered a "mild" attack.

Cheney suffered his first heart attack in 1978. He was 37. This was the same year he was elected to the House of Representatives as a congressman for Wyoming. He was reelected five times, serving Wyoming until 1989. During his time as a Wyoming congressman, Cheney would suffer two more attacks, his second in 1984, and his third in 1988. After his third, he had surgery to perform a quadruple by-pass. Doctors may have jokingly advised him to rent to own purchase any items he needed, so he would help his family avoid any large bills if an untimely death were to strike him.

But, death would not strike down Cheney. He would move through several different positions, including being President George H. W. Bush's Secretary of Defense, until being elected as vice-president in 2000. However, this was the same year Cheney suffered his fourth heart attack. The attack must have felt like a bad rent to own scam after just being voted into the second most powerful office in the country.

Perhaps, Cheney's past smoking habit combined with his political and high profile life are the reason he has had heart problems. Since 2000 he has had five different procedures to help his heart condition. It seems that Cheney's doctors have been working as hard as the people who have helped the rent to own industry become one of the strongest industries in our country today.

The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations understands that heart conditions must be taken very seriously. We hope that all the people working hard within the rent to own industry take care of themselves by staying physically fit and practicing healthy habits. We know through the former president's example even if the best doctors in the world are taking care of you, there can be heart concerns so take care of yourself. We invite people to learn more about the rent to own purchase business by visiting APRO's website. Make sure to become informed so you don't fall victim to a bad rent to own scam. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane http://www.pippoproducts.com/lovemarriage/index.html

Guilty - Liberal Victims and Their Assault on America by Ann Coulter - A Book Review

In Guilty: Liberal Victims and Their Assault on America by Ann Coulter, the author once again gives us a piece of her mind. Fearless as ever, Coulter points out things that we would rather turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to. While most of the people who have picked up her book have hated her for it, I have found her rather refreshing and honest. Well, as they say, the Truth always hurts.

I was eating my lunch one day when I heard a group of officemates-mine, I am sad to admit-talking about another officemate of mine. He was almost thirty years old and his girl friend of five years, who worked on the next floor, weren't even in the process of tying the knot. Had they presented the fact that his girl friend's biological clock was ticking, I would've just agreed that they should get married because they do seem to be a perfect fit. But then one of my officemates said that he probably should just make a "deposit" so they would know if they were sexually compatible before getting married. I was appalled. I wasn't naïve but there are some changes you shouldn't adopt, even if it meant convenience. This was one of them.

It made me think of the hundreds of single mothers out there who say they are saying that they are raising their child alone by choice. I agree; it was their choice that made them single mothers-women who have shrugged off their morality for what they think would make them happy for that moment. I'm not saying that they should be condemned because of these wrong choices (I'm not even saying that being happy is wrong) but I agree with Coulter that these women are guilty for presenting themselves as the victims. If we want a better society, we should stop saying it and do what's best for us and for our neighbors. Everything starts with a decision and sticking with that decision. Don't go plunging into a pool when you can't swim. Make sure you can pay for what you're buying and all that stuff that goes along those lines.

I agree with Coulter when she said that these people who call themselves the victims of society's "modernity" and loss of morality-slaves of the moment and all that-are the ones who actually launch an attack on America. I'm not saying we should go all St. Francis of Assisi and give our life's savings to the poor. What I'm saying-and what Coulter points out in Guilty-is that we should be living within our means. By doing so, we are not only helping ourselves but also those around us who cannot afford to live so lavishly. Also, don't go around preaching what you can't do. We already have a lot of that in the media. Sadly, it is the bravery in Guilty: Liberal Victims and Their Assault on America by Ann Coulter that could make you hate it when you should be taking a seat and listening to what it's saying.

For more information, check other Guilty: Liberal Victims and Their Assault on America by Ann Coulter book reviews. Erika Ayala works part time for a consumer review company. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erika_Ayala http://www.pippoproducts.com/products4.html

Ronald Reagan - A Beloved President of the United States

The late United States President Ronald Reagan was considered as one of the best U.S. Presidents but we couldn't repudiate the fact that he had remarkable contributions and achievements that made him a great U.S. President. So, why was Ronald Reagan a great U.S. leader? Perhaps, we should take a look at some of his credentials to be able to justify that he was indeed a great leader.

Some of his followers, when asked why was Ronald Reagan a great U.S. leader, would recall that during his inaugural address, American hostages in Iran were freed. He was only months away from being elected and yet, he already made Americans proud of such incident.

In the same year, Reagan almost got killed in an attempted assassination. While he was being treated at the George Washington University Hospital, Reagan jokingly said that he hoped all the surgeons treating him were Republicans. Of course, not all of the surgeons there were Republicans but they were willing to forget that just to save their President. This could be one of the answers as to why was Ronald Reagan a great U.S. leader.

If Americans would be asked again the question, Why was Ronald Reagan a great U.S. leader?, there would definitely have a long list of answers. First, policies concerning supply-side economics were implemented, the philosophy on laissez-faire and classical liberal was advocated in order to address concerns on tax cuts, and the policy called peace through strength was also implemented.

Reagan was also the President when a significant decline in federal income tax rates transpired due to the passage of the Economic Recovery Tax Act in 1981. Reagan definitely did his part to improve the country's economic growth.

During his first term, Reagan indeed had significant contributions. So why was Ronald Reagan a great U.S. leader during his second term? This was the time when astronauts died in 1986 because the Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated. Despite this tragedy, Reagan reminded Americans that they should not be fainthearted, but instead they should be brave. And so, he was able to encourage Americans and the families of the deceased to move forward.

Other achievements of Reagan during his second term included the declaration of policies concerning drugs, the approval of the Immigration Reform and Control Act, and his nomination of a female Supreme Court Justice.

These were not the only answers to the question Why was Ronald Reagan a great U.S. President. He was also great for living ninety three years on Earth to bring changes and improvement to his country.

Please click these links if you want to know more about why Reagan a great president or people seeing a meteor showerin general. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_Leones http://www.pippoproducts.com/products2.html

Barry Goldwater on Liberty and Justice

Extreme in defence of liberty is no vice. And … moderation in persuit of justice is no virtue. Barry Goldwater [1909-1998 ], Acceptance speech, Republican presidential nomination [July 16, 1964] - from Bartlett's Familiar Quotations

http://politicalfirestorm.blogspot.com/

Some Political Observations Still Sting

Changing Sources of Power: American Politics in the 1970s

Frederick G. Dutton,

McGraw-Hill Books, July, 1971 269 pages

Few would argue that political and social change unfolds in a vacuum. Social unrest, discontent and the eventual showdown of political ideologies erupt with sudden convulsion, catching bench sitters by surprise.

The cultural and political transformation that took place in the 1970's was more than just a temporary or fleeting disaffection of the status quo.

While a few books have been written regarding the irreversible decade of cultural, social and education forces that changed our perspective and our national directions ever since, Frederick Dutton's still stands out as the most insightful and comprehensive source to date.

Dutton, a Washington D.C., lawyer and political strategist, depicts the many elements necessary -- beyond the political--that created the showdown between the majority of entrenched traditional conservative carriers of continuity and the agents of change.

Dutton brought his keen observations of American politics to the book having served as Secretary of the Cabinet for President John Kennedy, Assistant U.S. secretary of State for Congressional Relations and a Regent of the University of California.

It was Dutton's belief, without a doubt, that the sixties illuminated a divided government that steadily evolved from rhetoric to dissatisfaction and eventually to the struggle for power from a new generation.

Throughout the book, Dutton offers examples of how and why the 1970's would bring in the massive shift of power. He wrote that "...widespread social and political turmoil of the last half-dozen years and more has generally been considered in terms of the Vietnam war, the unrest of the young, black militancy and the responding backlash."

To an extent, but more so these erratic breakdowns in law and order, the shifting of economic opportunities from the urban centers out to the suburbs (The Industrial Revolution was becoming suburbanized) and strong dissatisfaction with leadership lead to what Dutton described as the opportunity that created national regeneration that shaped the political landscape for decades that followed. No one predicted that a "George Wallace," effect: a new Southern leader that appealed to a population that felt left out of the new educational opportunities, sophistication and activist new and younger elements.

Thirty years later, "The Changing Sources of Power" still holds the preeminent position as the most comprehensive and perceptive study written about the political shift of the 1970's.

In comparison, Boston University history professor, Bruce Schulman, author of "The Seventies: The Great Shift in American Culture, Society, and Politics, Da Capo Press, focused more on the cultural elements of Village People and disco than the deep underpinnings of the political affects that were coming apart during the decade of ambiguity.

David Frum, a conservative pundit and author of How We Got Here: The 70's, The Decade That Brought You Modern Life For Better Or Worse,Basic Books, offered a keen understanding of the impact of political upheaval Dutton predicted would happen if politicians would face urgent problems head on.

Frum cleverly observed that we "left behind a country that was more dynamic, more competitive, more tolerant; less deferential, less self-confident, less united; more socially equal, less economically equal; more expressive, more risk-averse, more sexual; less literate, less polite and less reticent." However, in Frum's account he never explains why the 70's sustained its influence far into the 80's while other political movements dissolved. There is never a main point about the decade except to say movement leaders tried to change social and economic programs of earlier decades.

A small but telling contrast ignored by both Schulman and Frum include the significant pieces that led up the political melee is Dutton's observation. Dutton points out that the Free Speech movement of 1964 could never have occurred anywhere in the country except in California and at UC Berkeley. This is a simple sentence, but a major point about the cultural differences that participated in the move east of unrest "New Left."

Dutton wrote: "Generational politics exploded in California not just on the periphery but in the political mainstream well before, and more several than, they have erupted in the rest of the country."

Changing Sources of Power, written in 1972, ends with a profound and still relevant observation that reinforces the brilliance of this book lacking in the others. He wrote: "We will not easily move on during this decade. But what could be blowing in the wind with the newer elements is a national reinvigoration that will occupy American society for much of the rest of this century."

One wonders what Dutton would say today?

Geri Spieler is the author of, "Taking Aim At The President: The Remarkable Story of the Woman Who Shot at Gerald Ford," Palgrave Macmillan. She is a former investigative reporter and has written for the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle. She was a research director for Gartner and is an award winning public speaker and past president of the San Francisco/Peninsula California Writers Club. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geri_Spieler http://www.pippoproducts.com/products2.html

The Legacy of George W Bush

Decades from now, and perhaps even centuries, historians will look back on the legacy of President George W Bush. And, with an impartial perspective, rather than a partisan and political one, I believe their findings will be quiet reasonable and accurate.

A simple reflection on the facts leaves us with a number of benefits gained from the work of Bush and the members of his administration.

Under Bush, we have seen the establishment of the highly effective Office of Homeland Security. He was responsible for the appointment of two promising new Supreme Court justices. American's have enjoyed modest but widespread tax cuts and since September 11, 2001, we haven't had a single terrorist attack on American soil.

Some of what those who have been opponents of the administration will argue is that Bush's team had been too hasty in invading Iraq, had mishandled the situation that was Hurricane Katrina and has allowed the national economy to fall into a very deep recession.

Yes, Bush and his team dropped the ball on the original decision to go into Iraq. However, Congress did as well, including President-Elect Barack Obama.

On the positive side, the initial invasion resulted in the ousting of one of the world's worst dictators. And, as I have learned, when one makes a mistake, they should be responsible for correcting it, thus our continued presence in Iraq. Although far from perfect, this very presence has yielded massive, measurable results in stabilizing an ever violent region.

Similarly, the response time to aide the victims of Hurricane Katrina was sub-par. But, this democratic governor of Louisiana and mayor of New Orleans did not adequately allocate federal funds in a timely manner, leaving FEMA and Bush to take all the blame. Looting and rioting in the streets of New Orleans also caused difficulties for any rescue efforts.

As for the economy, yes, we are experiencing a recession. However, for the majority of his time as president, the economy under Bush was very strong. In October of 2007, the Dow Jones Industrial hit an all-time high of more that 14,000. And when things did start to go bad, it was more the accumulated effects of the Community Reinvestment Act, started under Jimmy Carter's administration and considerably revised under Bill Clinton in 1995.

And now that this man's tenure is coming to an end, Obama will be our nation's Commander in Chief.

It is hard to project what to expect under the administration of a sort of celebrity-like leader. It seems that the concept of "change" is among his chief priorities. However, there is good change and there is bad change. And as of this time, we have no idea which direction his vision of might take us. That is, if any real change does actually occur at all.

All in all, Bush has clearly not been one of the elite among those to hold the position. Very few will compare him to the likes of Abraham Lincoln or Franklin D. Roosevelt for example. However, when examined with reason and removing bias, he will surely not rank among the worst national leaders either. Like him or not, he did a pretty average job.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Greiner

http://www.pippoproducts.com/products2

Lincoln on Politicians

Politicians [are] a set of men who have interests aside from the interests of the people, and who, to say the most of them; are, taken as a mass, at least one long step removed from honest men. I say this with the greatest freedom because, being a politician myself, non can regard it as personal.

Speech in the Illinois Legislature [ January 11, 1837] from Bartlett's Familiar Quotations

http://www.pippoproducts.com/familyfinance/index.html

Worried About Hyper Inflation? Maybe You Should Think on It

The United States has been busy printing money and we've been selling Treasury Notes, luckily we are borrowing at a low interest rate, but we are also putting ourselves in debt and printing money and forcing it into the economy at a rate never before seen. The Stimulus of 787 Billion Dollars and some $2 Trillion for financial bailouts; all this money flow will cause an inflation challenge in the future. So, let me recommend a very good book to you:

The Great Inflation and Its Aftermath - How Reagan and Volcker Tamed Economic Policy - and Why Obama Should Listen" by Robert J. Samuelson; Random House, New York, NY (2008).

It is also available to be loaded onto your Kindle "The Great Inflation and Its Aftermath: The Past and Future of American Affluence" for the low cost of $14.00

This book reminds us of the problems with high-inflation during 1960 to 1982. Most younger folks have no clue why this is. Things were pretty bad in the 1970s and stagflation was even worse, in fact things were so bad that President Jimmy Carter lost the election.

Samuelson, a columnist for Newsweek and the Washington Post reminds us also that inflation is not so much only an economic problem, as it destroys confidence making it more social and political that one might think. One interesting quote was one by Lenin, who stated that the best way to destroy a democracy is to debase its currency. Indeed, think on that for a minute.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who is wondering if the current direction of our nation's leadership and economy is a wise choice. Consider all this.

Lance Winslow enjoys community philanthropy - Lance Winslow likes small business. Lance Winslow has also been involved in the Oil Industry; http://www.oilchangeguys.com/aboutus.shtml/. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow http://www.pippoproducts.com/products4.html

The American Civil War and Abraham Lincoln

Millions of people contributed and sacrificed tremendously to the outcome of the American Civil War. Hundreds of thousands of Americans sacrificed everything. Yet one man stands out in history and is credited above all others in influencing the outcome of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln, a former Illinois lawyer, won the Republican Party nomination and became the President of the United States in 1860. The southern states, of which Lincoln only won 2 of 996 counties that he was on the ballot on, began quickly seceding from the Union and forming their own nation, the Confederate States of America. Abraham Lincoln and the majority in the north would not allow the Union to be dissolved, and an American Civil War was imminent.

The war, known to the southerners as the "War of Northern Aggression" or "War Between the States", was immensely feared, but also fiercely anticipated by both sides. Both northerners and southerners gave violent demonstrations and Abraham Lincoln had already evaded assassination attempts even before his inauguration.

In April of 1861 the Confederates fired on South Carolina's Fort Sumter and the fort was forced to surrender under heavy fire. Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to recapture Union forts and quell the uprising. Four more Southern states, including Virginia, seceded from the Union and the American Civil War was officially underway.

Militarily, the north was decidedly losing the war until the battle of Antietam occurred, the single bloodiest day in American history. While still not technically a strategic victory for the North, Abraham Lincoln now at least had enough political leverage to put into law the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed liberated slaves in southern states. While the Emancipation Proclamation had political motivations, it also helped to weaken the southern economy as freed black slaves were now also allowed to join the ranks of the Union army. By the end of the war about 179,000 black men served in the army and about 19,000 served in the navy.

Lincoln had always encountered northern opposition to the American Civil War (mostly anti-war Democrat "copperheads"), but none so drastically until after the battle of Gettysburg. While Gettysburg was a great northern victory, Lincoln had to initiate the war's second draft to replace the staggering 23,000 Union casualties. The northern citizens were far from happy, and even violent. The most notable example is the New York City Draft Riots. The riots were put down and Lincoln continued on and delivered the famous Gettysburg address.

Gettysburg proved to be the turning point in the American Civil War. Union victories at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga gave the North more confidence and Abraham Lincoln appointed General Ulysses S. Grant army commander. What Grant lacked as a military tactician he made up for in raw aggressiveness, beating the South through attrition with high casualties on both sides. Despite initial fears by the Republican Party (though Lincoln ran under the National Union Party) and war Democrats, Lincoln easily defeated George B. McClellan (former Union general appointed twice by Lincoln) in the 1864 presidential election.

The devastating American Civil War came to a conclusion on April 9, 1865 when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Lincoln could finally focus most of his efforts on reconstruction and beginning to mend the deep scars between the North and South. When asked how defeated Confederates should be treated, Lincoln responded "Let 'em up easy". History had other plans however as on April 14, 1865 at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C., a single shot by stage actor John Wilkes Booth ended the life of Abraham Lincoln.

J. F. Borno enjoys learning and writing about the American Civil War and early photographic history. He is especially interested in learning more about original Civil War photos and tintypes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._F._Borno http://www.pippoproducts.com/products

Lincoln on Quarreling

Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to making to most of himself can spare time for personal contention. Still less can he afford to take all the consequences, including the vitiating of his temper and loss of self control -- Abraham Lincoln from "Abraham Lincoln (Quote/Unquote)"

http://www.pippoproducts.com/products4.html

Russian Spies in America - A Book Review

Cold War spying is well-documented, but have you ever wondered just how bad it was? Have you ever considered how long it has gone on? Would you like to take a gander into history and see for yourself? If so, I'd sure like to recommend a very good book to you. The name of the book is;

"Techno-Bandits How the Soviets are Stealing America's High-Tech Future" By Linda Melvern, Nick Anning, David Hebditch, and Mark Hosenball, 1984.

The Cold War was one of spies and military espionage and it was waged all over the world. Not only did Russia and the US prevent each other from expansionism and from gaining headway with client nations, but the Russians stole us blind when it came to technology. And even if one is oblivious to the realities of the time, one cannot but smile in amazement of how many super technological advances happened in Russia and the US at exactly the same time; coincidence? Doubtful.

"Ronald Reagan called it a hemorrhaging of technology," and "A multimillion dollar underground trade in the theft of technology."

The examples in this book are too numerous to mention. It is absolutely undeniable that the Russians have stolen more technology from the United States of America than any other group of foreign spies in history. They stole even more than the Japanese. Although the Chinese industrial espionage spies are now catching up with the Russians now and should surpass their technological theft over the last six decades, it is amazing how much did this cost our country. And the Russians technology thievery goes on today. Indeed, I hope you will read this book, so that you understand the truth.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in catching foreign spies and then taking care of business. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow http://politicalfirestorm.blogspot.com/

The Politics of 2010

It should not have come as a surprise to anyone that even remotely follows American politics that Michael Steele recently said that the GOP lost its way after former President Ronald Reagan left office in 1989. Steele has been a somewhat flamboyant figurehead for the GOP, but it's nice to see the GOP admitting that they have flaws. His criticism of former Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush seems valid, but it's still hard to take it seriously.

While I agree that both the elder and junior Bush strayed from traditional conservative values in the form tax hikes and deficit spending (among other things), where does this leave us? Criticizing past presidencies does nothing for the future of the party. Yes, it's great that you realize the leaders of your party haven't held up to the standards and values that you claim you represent, but what are you doing to change that? Where are the ideas that are actually going to hold traction with voters? How are you really different from your competition (i.e. the Democratic party)? These are questions that voters should be seeking answers to when they go to the polls in 2010. It's one thing to admit that you have a broken party with broken ideals, but it's another thing to actually do something about it an fix it. The current trend we are seeing in Congress is positive in the sense that Republicans are finally standing up for fiscal conservatism and voting down excessive spending bills that Democrats are cramming through while President Obama still has some goodwill left. But there are a couple of things worth pointing out here: would Republicans be so against these bills if John McCain had won the 2008 election and what are you bringing to the table that's different than what the Democrats are bringing to the table?

It's nice to see the GOP admit they have strayed from their core values and what made them a power in this country for a long period of time. But it's another thing to see them do something about it and present ideas that actually promote change from the status quo. While I hope this is the first step towards that, I'm pessimistic we will see the GOP actually embrace fiscal conservatism any time soon.

http://klubnikskorner.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Klubnik http://politicalfirestorm.blogspot.com/

Herbert Hoover on War

Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die. And it is youth who must inherit the tribulation, the sorrow, and the triumphs that are the aftermath of war.

Speech at the Republican National Convention, Chicago [ June 27, 1944 ] from Bartlett's Familiar Quotations

http://www.pippoproducts.com/products

Happy New Year - 2010

Wishing you and yours a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Joe Conigliaro
http://www.pippoproducts.com/products