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Since the so-called seceded states claimed the U.S. Constitution no longer applied to them, they deprived themselves of equal suffrage.

But that was not Lincoln's view, now was it? He maintained that the states never left the Union.

Since the so-called seceded states claimed the U.S. Constitution no longer applied to them, they deprived themselves of equal suffrage.

But that was not Lincoln's view, now was it? He maintained that the states never left the Union.

What has Lincoln's view got to do with the actions of the states or their representatives? The so-called seceded states voluntarily gave up their representation in the Congress.

But since you mention President Lincoln, let's quote his views on secession:

"What is now combatted, is the position that secession consistent with the Constitution -- is lawful, and peaceful. It is not contended that there is any express law for it; and nothing should ever be implied as law, which leads to unjust or absurd consequences. The nation purchased, with money, the countries out of which several of these states were formed. Is it just that they shall go off without leave, and without refunding? The nation paid very large sums, (in the aggregate, I believe, nearly a hundred millions) to relieve Florida of the aboriginal tribes. Is it just that she shall now be off without consent, or without making any return?

The nation is now in debt for money applied to the benefit of the so-called seceding states, in common with the rest. Is it just, either that creditors shall go unpaid, or the remaining States pay for the whole? A part of the present national debt was contracted to pay the old debts of Texas. Is it just that she shall leave, pay no part of it herself?

Again, if one state may secede, so may another; and then when all shall have seceded, none is left to pay the debts. Is this quite just to creditors? Did we notify them of this sage view of ours when we borrowed their money? If we now recognize this doctrine, by allowing the seceders to go in peace, it is difficult to see what we can do, if others choose to go, or to extort terms terms upon which they will promise to remain...

If all the states, save one, should assert the power to drive that one out of the Union, it is presumed the whole class of seceder politicians would at once deny the power, and denounce the act as the greatest outrage upon State rights.

But suppose that precisely the same act, instead of being called "driving the one out," should be called "the seceding of the others from that one," it would exactly what the seceders claim to do; unless, indeed, they make the point, that the one, because it is a minority, may rightfully do, what the others because they are a majority may not rightfully do. These politicians are subtle, and profound, on the rights of minorities. They are not so partial to that power, which made the Constitution, and speaks from the preamble, calling itself "We the People."

A. Lincoln, 7/4/61

Walt

Not only was it Lincoln's view, it was also adopted by the Supreme Court in a decision that is still binding law, Texas v. White , 74 U.S. 700 (1868), in which the Supreme Court held that Texas's attempted secession was legally without effect.

Probably the greatest lesson of the Civil War is that Democracy really doesn't exist in the real world....its simply an idea that comes and goes. Obviously, democracy had nothing to do with the 14th amendment. Democracy probably will disappear eventually when we all realize its simply a joke.