On this date in 1865 the Congress voted to end slavery. The vote was 119 "yea" and 56 "nay" with 8 Congressmen not voting. It should be noted that every Republican Congressman voted to end slavery (along with 14 Democrats). Of the 56 "nay" votes 50 and all of the not voting (the voting "present" of the day) came from the Democrats.
Just something to keep in mind when you hear the Republicans are the "racist" party.
I’ll not hold my breath, but maybe one day the good citizens of this country will put the credit where it is deserved, including retracting that which Lincoln does not deserve. For example, in the 4th debate with Douglas, on 9/18/1858, at Charleston, Lincoln stated, “I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races,” continuing that he opposed Black people having the right to vote, serve on juries, hold office, and intermarry with whites. He softened, only a little in a sort of post-quid-pro-quo when in 1865, 7 years later and AFTER the war, he stated that Blacks who fought for the North in the Civil War should perhaps be allowed to vote. Heh. How generous.
ReplyDeleteLincoln did not believe in slavery, which is well documented, but he did NOT believe in equality, a belief of his that is almost hidden.
Based on their actual beliefs, not manufactured persona, I think the amount of granite and space, and the locations of each, used for commemorative edifices for Lincoln and Martin Luther King in our nation’s capitol should be swapped. I am well aware of the not-so-public side of Dr. King, but when it comes to the beliefs of true equality of mankind, Dr. Martin Luther King has been shortchanged when it comes to recognition.
This day, however, remains a largely unrecognized day in the beginnings of righting extreme wrongs in this country. Thank you for posting it.
[This coming from an old Caucasian fart born and raised in the deep South, if anyone dare generalize.]
It should also be noted that both Martin Luther King Sr. and Martin Luther King Jr. were registered Republicans.
ReplyDeleteThis coming from a first generation, white, Irish guy from Massachusetts who is a registered Independent.