We went to see Spielberg’s new movie “Lincoln” yesterday and found it worthwhile. The drama reminds us of the cavernous divide that America faced in ending slavery and the Civil War and banding disparate sovereign states into the ambitious ideals of the United States of America in April 1865.
The bulk of the film focuses on the heated and seemingly impossible negotiations between Republican and Democratic representatives to pass the Constitution’s 13th amendment to abolish slavery. Improbable and yet, a majority vote was finally achieved and the amendment passed. This happened even though many people and businesses had a deep vested economic interest in continuing to use slave labor. In the end, the benefits to the nation and its leadership in democracy and humanity so clearly outweighed the costs. This history should serve as inspiration today as different sides seek consensus on a new path forward. It can be done. Here is a direct link to the trailer.
;
There are many views on Lincoln, and why he actually wanted to end slavery. Most of us (at least those who actually care) have only a peripheral knowledge of the Civil War and about Lincoln himself. I am not an expert, but I have read enough about the Civil War and about Lincoln and his assassination to know that, as always, the truth is never fully revealed by what we were taught in schools and most certainly not by Hollywood.