While I take your point, Bobert, I find it demagogic and unrealistic. I have yet to see effective change without strife and missteps. They are a natural part of the process. In effect, one cannot see the brutality of the KKK unless they operate the way they do. That is not to say that I am glad it happened, just that it is the way of it.

When one does a thorough read of the times, including Lincoln's evolving nature, and puts all this in the context of the times (socially and politically) it is hard to imagine a different route that could have been taken to achieve the result. And when one examines this issue, and compares it to other "social revolutions" I believe that they would find that a hundred years to begin to achieve the result is not out of ordinary.

I believe Bobert's contention comes from his innate goodness. I believe it comes from his personal experiences, desires, and empathy for the put upon people. While I disagree mightily with his contention, I find myself liking this down to earth realist more and more.

Mick