On the recordApril 15, 2015
I was tempted to rise when my friend Mr. McCarthy from California was speaking of the great, late President Abraham Lincoln and his legacy--really, a dichotomy of a man, a very complicated individual. We know of his great achievements, of ending slavery, of maintaining our Union--great achievements--and very difficult achievements for him as well, passing the 13th Amendment. We think of how dysfunctional, maybe, Congress is today and the lack of cooperation. Under the conditions that then-President Lincoln was operating, it is a marvel that he was able to pass such incredible legislation with such ramifications, and positively. But I think one of the great things about Lincoln that oft times goes unnoticed is one of the legacies that was unintended by himself directly: he dies. He is shot on the 14th of April 1865. He dies on the 15th of April 1865. One of the greatest things about Abraham Lincoln is, on the 16th of April, the Sun rose again on the Republic of the United States, a better nation for his having lived, but continued despite his absence. How wonderful a legacy is that, that this Republic, greater than any man or woman, lives on, a better place for him having lived. May God rest the soul of Abraham Lincoln. ____________________
