Replies

“The fact that some see this as a “fatuous question” and decline to give an answer most likely reflects that fact that they revere Abraham Lincoln but cannot quickly formulate distinctions between him and Qaddafi whom they have been taught to hate.”

“Never Argue With A Fool – They Will Drag You Down To Their Level, Then Beat You With Experience.” also comes to mind.

Humor the fool then. I won't argue with you or even respond to your answer unless you specifically ask me to do so. Just cite a few of the significant differences that you see.

ML/NJ

For what it's worth, I don't believe that I revere Lincoln. I do respect his intellect, his principles and his moral courage. At the risk of answering a fatuous question, I cannot say the same of Qaddafi. But that's just me.

I have long felt that the Civil War was an enormous and unnecessary tragedy, but one whose blame lies more proximately at the feet of feckless Southern politicians and James Buchanan. I am not sure that Lincoln could have averted it and remained true to his principles. I firmly believe that slavery as institution was a moribund in the U.S. by 1860. While the Civil War accelerated its end, it may have made the transition more painful for everyone, including the former slaves and at an enormous price in blood and treasure.