People attack Lincoln because he makes a nice scapegoat for the real originators of big government, who met in Philly in 1787.
They were the originators of a functional, fiscally sustainable government.
Ha! But why stop there?
Why not go all the way, way-back to the real originator of "big government"?
It was UG the caveman, from the tribe of US, who went around to all the other cavemen in their caves and said them:
UG: YOU PAY ME, UG.
The other cavemen: BUT UG, WHY SHOULD WE PAY YOU?
UG: YOU PAY ME FOR PROTECTION.
The other cavemen: PROTECTION? AGAINST WHAT?
UG: PROTECTION AGAINST UG, AND THE TRIBE OF US.
There's your real original villain, pal.
Blame him. ;-)