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

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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

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