After watching the movie, I appreciated democracy maybe more than I ever have before. Lincoln depended on Congressional leaders of his day to cross party lines and abolish slavery, a practice that was deeply emotional and directly tied to commerce. I contrast that with the partisan stubbornness of the current Congress and their inability to put the good of the nation at the forefront. I have no doubt that if today's media were present in 1865, the amendment would have been labeled a "fiscal cliff" and leaders would have been more hesitant to express their true voice amidst the media hype.
In addition to the slavery issue was the reuniting of the nation after the bitter war. Over 600,000 lives were lost and entire cities were burned to the ground. Most of the casualties were men and boys whose labor would have been directed to help with the restoration of the country. In the movie, Lincoln tells Ulysses S. Grant to tell the Southern soldiers to "return home" after the surrender, but for many on both sides there was no home to return to.
Yet, somehow, the country came together, the cities were rebuilt and "government of the people, by the people, for the people [did] not perish from the earth." The movie should be mandatory viewing for everyone in any organization today. It is a testament to the power of a compelling vision that transcends any one person.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
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