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and this: Demagoguery like The Real Lincoln distracts us from understanding the origins of today's real enemy: the centralized bureaucracy, which is intimately connected with the nihilistic universities and interest factions. It was not Lincoln but the Progressives — Woodrow Wilson, John Dewey, Charles Beard — who created the real break with the Founders' limited government, by rejecting natural rights.

He wants to make the argument all about philosophy, but it is the actions of Lincoln that harmed us, not his philosophy. Certainly it is impossible to argue that Lincoln destroyed the right to succession, at the very least. As FEDGOV grows ever larger and more invasive it would be nice to have this back on the table.

He goes onProgressivism was based on the same historical-evolutionary brand of thought, dating back to Rousseau, that justified black slavery as the cornerstone of Confederate civilization.

Slavery was a lot older as an institution than Rouseau, so it's just silly to say that was some animating ideology for the South. The actual cornerstone of Confederate Civilization was not Rouseau's progressive philosophy, but agriculture. A key cause of the civil war was the Norths desire to tax agriculture while tarrifing mechanical imports, all of which benefited New England manufacturers at the expense of southern farmers.

And Progressivism begat modern megastate liberalism.

Sure, but Lincoln begat the 19th century authoritarian megastate that was the needed precursor for Wilson's plan.

Among his accomplishments:

Destroyed the original "Republic of Republics" design of the Union
sent the US Army against the south, creating a lasting fear of the power of Washington
used a draft to prosecute the war
created the first national income tax for purpose of funding the war
violated bill of rights (for Northerners!) with impunity, including jailing critics, shutting down press
violated the accepted laws of war at the time, via his generals.
centalized banking

Without Lincolns example it is unlikely anyone would have put up with Wilson or FDR. So I think saying: The Real Lincoln distracts us from understanding the origins of today's real enemy: the centralized bureaucracy Is giving Lincoln a pass he does not need, and is not helpful to a full and accurate understanding of our prediciment. We may need to go all the way back to undo some of Lincolns work to repair our Republic.

BTW: Slavery was a great wrong and a deep blight on America. As much as I dislike many of Lincoln's actions the ultimate result was a victory for humanity, and to be celebrated. However it is unfortunate that Lincoln has become the symbol of the Abolition, and not some other prominent leader in the Abolitionist movement.