I could attribute this to attending Lincoln Elementary School, but I began my school career in McKinley Elementary School, and I’ve never developed an affinity for President McKinley.  I completed my elementary career in Washington Elementary School, and, despite the obvious historical value of President Washington to our nation, I’ve never developed a particular fondness for him (a profound appreciation, yes, but not an in depth interest in studying the man).

Abraham Lincoln, though, captured my fascination at an early age.  He was, and remains, my hero (after my mom and dad, of course).  Earlier I mentioned my dog figurine collection, but I have a small amount of Lincoln memorabilia when I was a kid.

I found the full collection of Lincoln’s writings at a notable San Antonio used book store a couple of years ago and was in a position to be able to justify the expense of buying it (it was very reasonable but not cheap). I also collect books published in the mid to late 1800s which may relate to Lincoln or part of his legacy.

I admired his work ethic and his ability to pull himself up by his bootstraps.  He had some supporters along the way and people who had to have enabled his efforts, but he decided to make those efforts to educate himself and put himself in a position to succeed even after repeated failures.

He wasn’t a do-gooder. He was thrust into a position of leadership at a critical point in our nation’s development, and he led.  It wasn’t always pretty, and he set some disturbing precedents in his time.  I know many people will disagree with me, but I saw a lot of how President George W. Bush handled the post-911 America in a similar light.  I firmly believe establishing TSA and the Patriot Act were serious mistakes, but his leadership in a time of crisis was superb.  By the end of his second term, I had serious concerns with how things were going, and I’m thankful for our Constitutional term limits for the President. But I digress.

Abraham Lincoln, perhaps largely because of the political situation in his time, made decisions that were ultimately good for the long-term health of America and it offering equal opportunity for ALL people.