Lincoln as political scripture -- Lincoln's wisdom for today -- Today's America : an unfinished work -- America's global role -- Toward a better America -- What would Lincoln say? -- War -- Liberties -- The role of government -- Opportunity -- Global interdependence -- Religion -- The supreme court -- Race -- Abraham Lincoln's 2004 address to Congress
Summary:
Abraham Lincoln became president on the brink of a terrible war, and he led our country through its darkest times. Challenged by slavery, secession, and war, Lincoln was able to articulate forcefully the values and ideals that have sustained our country since its inception. His speeches, writings, and actions melded the Constitution, the Bible, and his own experience into an American scripture that inspires faith in the future. Today, our country faces terrible challenges, a shadowy war, increasing inequality among our people, and a society with knife-sharp divisions-and there is a decided lack of vision in our country's leadership. So Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York, and a gifted political philosopher, returns to Lincoln's words, his speeches and writings, to offer guidance for today's problems. He shows how the big issues-equality, the role of government, war and peace, the responsibilities of the fortunate few-resonate in today's political climate as he brings to life the contemporary relevance of Lincoln's message for today's hot-button subjects. Cuomo's analysis of Abraham Lincoln will inspire readers to believe that government can still be a force for greater good in American society. And it offers us a liberal, generous, and responsible path for the future. Abraham Lincoln is surely the most revered President in our history. His words are American Scripture. And like scripture, Lincoln's words are quoted for good and for ill. Mario Cuomo, three-term Governor of New York, one of the great orators of our day and a staunch liberal, will write the book that shows what a liberal Lincoln was, and how his political philosophy should work as progressive ideas in the 21st century. He takes up all the important subjects for our political era, and shows where Lincoln stood on the issues. The outline includes chapters on: Equality; Freedom; Opportunity; Responsiblity; Community; The role of government; The rule of law, and, in light of the recent war in Iraq, he is adding a chapter on "Just War" and what that really means. In sum, a historical, political, clear, and strong revisiting of the greatest president in our history from a distinguished and energetic public figure. Abraham Lincoln, long the most resonant voice of American political values, was a founding member of the Republican Party. In today's charged political climate, he would be hard-pressed to recognize the issues in the contemporary GOP, argues Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York and a gifted political philosopher. Mario Cuomo shows how the big issues-equality, the role of government, war and peace, the responsibilities of the fortunate few-resonate in today's political climate as he brings to life the contemporary relevance of Lincoln's message for today's hot-button issues. Today's political discourse often lacks depth and wisdom, but Mario Cuomo's analysis of Abraham Lincoln will inspire readers to believe that government can still be a force for greater good in American society.
