[sangrila]

I agree about the nation heading in a socialist direction. I disagree about everything else. If you want to blame someone for the socialist element in the government, you might want to start with FDR. I think FDR did do what he had to in many ways, and the subsequent democrats just failed to modify or discontinue the programs that were no longer relevant. LBJ is the president I would point to for creating the worst of these socialist programs. He has plenty of company though in all branches of government. Lincoln would probably be considered more conservative than any politician is, or would at least ever admit to being in modern American politics.

[libertarianben]

"Lincoln would probably be considered more conservative than any politician is, or would at least ever admit to being in modern American politics."

LOL! Not quite. The foundation of his and his party (both Whig then later Republican) economic policy was high protectionist tariffs, taxpayer subsidies for railroads and other corporations (corporate welfare) and the nationalization of the money supply to pay for this. Lincoln also instated the first national income tax.