A Spork in the Drawer

Random Quote Of The Day

“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. As a result of the war, corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. I feel at this moment more anxiety for the safety of my country than ever before, even in the midst of war. God grant that my suspicions may prove groundless.”

-Abraham Lincoln, letter to Col. William F. Elkins, 21 November, 1864

.

Speaking Of The "News" Media

First up, Newsweek asks the stunningly stupid question, Who Was More Important: Lincoln or Darwin?

It would seem that since they shared a birthday it's important to compare the two.

But it only gets worse: As PZ notes, the "reporter", Malcolm Jones, even approvingly mentions their astrological charts.

Which brings us to (via Phil Plait) ABC "News", which today notes:

In May, seven astrologers at the United Astrology Conference in Denver predicted that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. would win the White House in November, citing Saturn's opposition to Uranus on Election Day as a celestial occurrence that pits a stodgy planet against one of rebellion, resulting in transformation and social upheaval.

Perhaps as a follow-up ABC could check these predictions against those made by phrenologists.

Is it any wonder why so many Americans are so plug-ignorant?

.

Taken Pure

When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretence of loving liberty -- to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.

- Abraham Lincoln, letter to Joshua Speed, 24 August, 1855

.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Of 1858

We all know that Fox pretty much make up the "news" that they broadcast. But now they're making up history as well:

Video at link.

.

Alternative History

1858:

DOUGLAS: When I was 11, my grandpappy and I chopped wood and shot bears.

LINCOLN: Ahem, I do not expect the Union to be dissolved -- I do not expect the house to fall -- but I do expect slavery will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other...

STEPHANOPOULOS: Do you love America this much (extending fingers), this much (extending hands slightly), or thiiiiiis much (extending hands broadly)?

LINCOLN: I think we covered this…

GIBSON: If I may interrupt…

LINCOLN: Please.

GIBSON: I noticed, Mr. Lincoln, that your American flag pin was upside down…

LINCOLN: Yes, the wind caught it. Now, as I was saying...

[Via C&L.]

.

199 Years Young

12 February, 1809:

Abraham Lincoln



Charles Darwin

.