Abraham Lincoln on work

Quote of the Week   —   Posted on February 16, 2016

President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12th. The following are quotes about work made by President Lincoln, the Republican Party’s first president:

“That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another; but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence built.”

“You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence.”

“You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.”

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

“If this country is ever demoralized, it will come from trying to live without work.”

“You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.”

“If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If any man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool.”

During a CNN townhall before the Iowa caucuses, when asked which previous president has most inspired her, rather than choosing her husband, Bill Clinton, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton responded unhesitatingly: “Sorry President Obama, sorry Bill – Abraham Lincoln.”  Mrs. Clinton also said, “America is great — we just have to make it fair and just.”

Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders repeatedly says he wants to “make it fair” by increasing taxes on the wealthy and give free college, free healthcare – and more – for all Americans.

Based on their economic policies, how do you think these Democratic candidates would view President Lincoln’s above statements?

Do you think Republican frontrunners Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, John Kasich and Marco Rubio would all agree with President Lincoln’s above statements?