Well, I'm back. Here's all I want to say. My points are:

1.) The World Book Encyclopedia describes Lincoln as being a historical figure that is even higher in American minds that George Washington. It also says that he is perhaps the greatest figure in American history. So why not address the song to him instead of Washington or Jefferson (who was a slave owning hypocrit)? They laid the foundation, Lincoln built upon in. Who's more important, the guy who built the guitar, or the guy who shows us the wonderful things we can do with it?

2.) Lincoln did more for us than free the slaves. He stressed the point of democracy, and a country and government that works for it's people. This is Hank's reason for addressing the current laws government in America.

3.) He also led us through the most violent crisis in American history, the Civil War--brother against brother--fighting and killing for freedom, economic reasons, reasons of slavery. Both sides, Confederate and Union were both doing the obligatory fighting and killing because they believed in a strong cause. Causes that almost verify the deaths. Today people are fighting and killing over skin color, the jackets or sneakers someone wears, or even for no reason at all. We have gone from high causes, whether just or flawed, to killing in the streets for nothing. We have no goals or causes. Killing has become like a game--a "rush" to aspire towards.

4.) Licoln led us through all this--with compassion for both sides. He believed in "Malice towards none, and charity for all." Sound familiar? We have become a country delighting in an overwhelming cynicism, with petty squabbling and sueing over the smallest things like teachers putting tape on kids mouths to make them be quiet (I had it done to me as a kid--I didn't sue) or when some restaurant's coffee is too hot. We don't we trust and believe and care for each other anymore?

5.) Lincoln himself was the first president who was the victim of a violent crime. He wasn't killed when visiting the army camps or battlefield, but when having a small well-earned piece of entertainment--he was killed by a man who did not care about people--one of those who believe that killing works better than trying non-violent ways to change what you think is wrong. Lincoln was killed because he was perceived as the leader of those who destroyed the Confederacy. Some today are killed for just being there, or for the 15 dollars in their pocket. I think that would touch a nerve if Lincoln did know what is happening today. Most importantly, Lincoln was killed--taken away--when the country would have most needed him, to heal the wounds of a nation torn in two. "I don't think it's worked out like you planned, Mr. Lincoln we sure could use a hand" is not a criticism of Lincoln's policies--it's a call for him to come back amd reinstate the vision he had for this country--that he did not get to finish. Instead of a country torn in two, now we have a nation torn in a million little pieces with religions, races, political & militia groups, sexual orientations, and cultures all against each other. Mr.Lincoln's vision of a healed nation has not worked out like he planned, so we need him to come back and heal us--to finish the work that he was so unmercilessly pulled away from.

4.) I have been listening to Hank Williams Jr.'s music for a LONG time. I can assure you, he is not a racist. His music, including this one, show no racist ideals. Does the song oversimplify the issues? Yes, but even when oversimplified, it would be enough to shock Abe Lincoln. And yes, lots of his songs are about drinking and carousing and having a good time. So are a lot of British Isles & Celtic music. He's not hurting anyone. I don't agree with this supposed "code" that songwriters write in that some people can decipher. All is up to your own personal philosophy. For instance, I think "The Bonny Lighthorseman" is mean, and as someone of Italian ancestry, I find songs like "That's Amore" and "The Tarantella" and crude versions of "O' Sole Mio" insulting. I still have unresolved issues about Eric Bogel's "No Man's Land" Other people may not. I also don't like to criticise other's songwriting methods. If someone wants to write a song from a newspaper and radio, go ahead a let 'em! "The Blue Clicky Thing" was written from a thread on an internet folk music discussion forum--how non-traditional is that? I say IT'S ALL GOOD, BABY!!

The defense rests, your honor. Think what you will. Now where are those so wery wholesome an' fillin' for the price crumpets.

--Mbo (BTW Dave, this was the e-mail I was going to send to you, but got eaten. I decided to post it to the thread in mine and Hank's defense in this musical Thermopylae.)