Letters from an American January 26, 2025
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Jan 27, 2025 Discover Lincoln's chilling insights from his 1838 Lyceum Address, where he cautioned about the fragility of American democracy. He emphasized the critical nature of the rule of law and painted a picture of the dangers posed by internal threats. This historical reflection resonates deeply in today's climate, reminding us of our responsibilities as citizens to uphold justice and order.
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Internal Threats to Democracy
- Lincoln warned of internal threats to American democracy, not external ones.
- He believed that lawlessness and disregard for the rule of law posed the greatest danger.
Examples of Lawlessness
- Lincoln highlighted the lynching of Francis McIntosh and the murder of Elijah P. Lovejoy.
- These examples showed the growing disregard for the rule of law fueled by passion and violence.
Ambition and Destruction
- Lincoln argued that ambitious individuals, unable to build upon past glories, might resort to destruction.
- With nation-building complete, their ambition might turn towards tearing down existing structures.