[jeffersondem]

“But the historical fact is that Lincoln did not in this speech, or anywhere else, ever propose to “start war” to abolish slavery.”

If what you say is true, we can forever dismiss the notion that Lincoln and the North fought to “free the slaves.”

But fight they did. And probably for a very good reason: they thought it was in their economic and political best self interest.

[BroJoeK]

jeffersondem: "If what you say is true, we can forever dismiss the notion that Lincoln and the North fought to 'free the slaves.' "

Naw, and you well know the truth of this matter, including:

1. Lincoln never proposed to "start war", period.
   
2. When war came Lincoln responded in order to preserve the Union.
   
3. Lincoln saw Emancipation as a weapon to a) win the war, b) preserve the Union and c) accomplish Republican abolitionist goals.

jeffersondem: "But fight they did. And probably for a very good reason: they thought it was in their economic and political best self interest."

But there are no quotes from Lincoln or anybody else saying that.
All the quotes we have talk about preserving the Union and abolishing slavery, not some alleged "money flow from Europe".

So you're just projecting your own ideas onto historical figures.