Political Quotes

“I grew up about 20 miles from Springfield, Illinois, and President Lincoln's boyhood home is in my congressional district in Spencer County, Indiana. President Lincoln's birthday is this Saturday, February 12, so I want to highlight some of his speeches and recognize the enduring importance of his words. First is his farewell speech to Springfield delivered February 11, 1861: ``My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. ``Here I have lived a quarter of a century and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born and one is buried. ``I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. ``Without the assistance of the Divine Being, who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. ``With that assistance, I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. ``To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.'' Notice the importance of faith to President Lincoln in his farewell speech to Springfield. I do believe the loss of faith amongst elected officials has been detrimental to our country. It seems that we go out of our way to eliminate any mention of faith in public life. This is a mistake.…”