I am reading Doris Kearns Goodwin's book on Lincoln, "Team of Rivals." It is a wonderful book, but it is hard to read it and not feel saddened by the lack of ethics and rhetoric in politics today. There is Lincoln, and there, is the following. I know you have probably seen these statements before, but I place them here as a reminder of the contrast of the leaders and politicans of Lincoln's time, and now.
"The vast majority of our imports come from outside the country."
- George W. Bush
"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure."
- George W. Bush
"One word sums up probably the responsibility of any Governor, and that one word is 'to be prepared'."
- George W. Bush
"I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future."
- George W. Bush
"The future will be better tomorrow." George W.. Bush
"We're going to have the best educated American people in the world."
- George W. Bush
"I stand by all the misstatements that I've made."
- George W. Bush
"We have a firm commitment to NATO, we are a part of NATO. We have a firm commitment to Europe We are a part of Europe."
- George W. Bus
"Public speaking is very easy."
- George W. Bush
"A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls."
- George W. Bush
"We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur."
- George W.. Bush
"For NASA, space is still a high priority."
- George W. Bush
"It's time for the human race to enter the solar system."
- George W. Bush
"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it."
- George W. Bush
"Quite frankly, teachers are the only profession that teach our children."
- George W. Bush