[ml/nj]

Yet again, you are choosing not to answer the question. I was not asking about Lincoln vs Jefferson. I was asking about a UNITED States Of America as opposed to a CSA and USA existing simultaneously.

I think I answered the question, but that you cannot understand. We are obviously talking about paths not traveled here, but I think it is quite likely that this land would have been better off if Lincoln had never existed, of if he had told the South to go in peace.

Maybe things would have been even better if we had absorbed Canada?

ML/NJ (Lifetime Yankee)

[Sam's Army]

"I think it is quite likely that this land would have been better off if Lincoln had never existed, of if he had told the South to go in peace."

If either were the case, it surely would have affected our westward expansion in the short run and our worldwide presence in the long run. Think of the ramifications on either world war had one side been in and the other neutral, or worse. You are correct in saying that we are talking about paths not taken here and I for one am thankful that things turned out the way they did.

If I may wryly assert that as far as Canada goes, one of the best things that would have come of that is better tasting domestic beer. (Excepting Sam Adams of course)

If Alberta keeps having tax issues with Ottawa, we may see a provincial admission in our lifetimes.