The Guidance of Lincoln

 Over the years, I have had reasons to admire various Presidents, but Lincoln always impresses me.  What a challenge he faced.  But he never wavered about the Constitution.  His wisdom saved the Nation.  I turn to Lincoln in our troubled times, and I am sharing four of his quotes to guide us through our present challenges.  Lincoln's words are in dark print.

        Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution.  That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our nation. 

The simple fact that our nation has endured for generations, when other nations have failed, is evidence of the amazing wisdom of our Founding Fathers, who so wisely established the checks and balances of our Constitution.  Benjamin Franklin feared that it would be "well administered for a course of years"...(until) "people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being unable of any other."  Franklin was wrong.  The wisdom of the Founding Fathers has endured.  Our responsibility is to respect our Constitution and leave it alone. 

        The people - the people are the rightful masters of both congress and courts - not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it. 

America is in trouble when ordinary Americans forget that they have the responsibility to protect and preserve the Constitution in order to protect and preserve America.  Our ancestors protected it for us, and it is now our responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.  It is not for us to change the Constitution, but rather to vote wisely and judge carefully those we have entrusted to preserve the Constitution for the children living now, and generations that follow.

        Stand with anybody who stands right.  Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.

Sometimes we may feel helpless.  What difference does my single vote make?  We may or may not always believe we voted wisely, but our vote is not the only action we can take.  Write to the people you voted for to let them know you are grateful for their work, as well as writing to tell them when you are dissatisfied.   Attend town hall meetings.  Visit with friends.  Run for community and state offices.  Encourage the teaching of civics in your schools.  But, always protect the Constitution.  

      Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's Character, give him power.  

We learn from experience, and if we do not learn anything from disappointment, how are we going to avoid future disappointments.  If you are pleased with the person to whom you gave your vote, let him or her know, and if disappointed, let them know that as well.  Even if you did not vote for the person, you can still let him or her know how you feel.  Just as Lincoln said, the people are the rightful masters of both congress and courts, and those we elect need to be reminded that they serve the people...all the people.  But above all, they took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, and the oath they took did not include an oath to reshape it to their liking.