[4CJ]

So your definition of "Free Speech" is "I speak and no one has the right to challenge what I say," did I get that right? The state of "southern" public schools is sadder than I suspected.

No, you didn't get it right. I wrote "And look how many denigrate his 1st Amendment right to free speech, and would supress it. Shades of Lincoln."

Don't you know that Lincoln suppressed political dissent? Check the history books. It's there, on the page you apparently skipped. ;o)

[Illbay]

Lincoln suppressed SEDITION, not honest political debate. There were many who opposed the administration's policies publicly, and none were arrested for it.

However, there were others who actively aided and abetted the rebels, and they were dealt with.

What would YOU say today to the prospect of an Arab resident of the U.S. who actively and openly aided Al-Qaeda by sponsoring fund raisers for the purpose of raising money so they can kill Americans?

That's what Mr. Lincoln dealt with.

Now, Jeff Davis, on the other hand, sent troops to eastern Tennessee and locked up all the "rabble-rousers" he could find--mainly hillbillies who weren't about to fight no war for a bunch of slaveowners.

These guys were put in MILITARY confinement and didn't see the light of day until Grant and Co. finally cleared the rebellion out of Tennessee.