Now, more than ever.


Seriously, before the next terrorist attack-- which I believe our government's invasion of Iraq has made more likely, not less likely-- every American should watch this series, and get a little bit of perspective.

9/11 was a long long way from being the worst thing to ever happen here. In just one battle in the Civil War, twice as many people died in just twenty minutes. Not only that, but remembering the conflict between the North and South makes this whole red state vs. blue state seem a lot less frightening. The fact that the United States held a presidential election in the midst of Civil War should do much to answer those who believe that the "war on terror" requires sacrificing our democratic values.

As the very real threat that our nation faces continues, the example of what our ancestors overcame is the perfect remedy for the hysteria that our leaders have exploited. I'd hate to see what some future Ken Burns will make of us, a hundred and forty years hence.

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Hear, hear.

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I'm with ya on that.

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""The fact that the United States held a presidential election in the midst of Civil War should do much to answer those who believe that the "war on terror" requires sacrificing our democratic values""

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Excellent post indeed, although I think the opposite opinion to yours is available to be gleaned from a study of our nation's response to the Civil War.

President 43 is oft criticised for sacrificing our democratic values (detentions without due process, illegal wire tappings) in the name of keeping the nation safe.

President 16 was despised as well for the steps he took in expanding presidential powers, none of which were given to any president by the constitution. Successionists in Baltimore were imprisoned without trial (There was no Gitmo then, but there were several forts in Philly, New York and Baltimore), and waging war without Congressional consent.

True, Comparing Bush to Lincoln might cause nausea in some, and uncontrolled laughter n others, but Bush is hardly the first US president to abridge liberties when he felt it best for the nation, and when he felt the population would tolerate it.


"Whisky for my men! And beer for my horses!"

T. Keith

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