[lentulusgracchus]

There were no functional democracies any where in the world except the United States in 1861. And to the glee of the Europeans, that -one- appeared to be coming apart at the seams. It had to be shown that men could rule themselves -- that a government of the people, by the people and for the people was not just a utopian dream. That's what Grant helped to show, ....

What Grant helped to show was what Europeans most wanted to see: that government of the people, by the Army, and for the Republicans was feasible if the Army had enough materiel and manpower.

Some dream. Sounds like Orwell's vision of the future: a boot stamping on a human face forever.

[WhiskeyPapa]

Do you see anything inconsistent in these two letters?

"The framers of our Constitution never exhausted so much labor, wisdom and forebearance in its formation, and surrounded it with so many guards and securities, if it was to be broken by every member of the Confederacy at will. It was intended for 'perpetual union' so expressed in the preamble, and for the establishment of a government, not a compact, which can only be dissolved by revolution, or the consent of all the people in convention assembled. It is idle to talk of secession." January 23, 1861

"All the South has ever desired is that the union, as formed by our founding fathers, should be preserved." Jan 5. 1866

Guess who wrote both of them?

Walt

[WhiskeyPapa]

What Grant helped to show was what Europeans most wanted to see: that government of the people, by the Army, and for the Republicans was feasible if the Army had enough materiel and manpower.

The People, acting through their representatives sustained the Lincoln administration with money. They sustained the administration with their blood and they sustained the administration with their prayers.

Our government just happens to be the best government yet devised.

Sorry that doesn't suit you.

Walt