by David K.
Member since:
April 29, 2007

Abraham Lincoln Quote 3/11/08

March 11, 2008 06:08 AM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 25

The ballot is stronger than the bullet.

Abraham Lincoln

Comments: 25

Bob C. Mar 11, 2008, 6:12am UTC
great quote, but the question I'd have to ask is "how many ballots have led to bullets"? Or another one would be like in the case of Lincoln or JFK, how many great men that we put into place with ballots had it all end with a bullet?
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 6:16am UTC
Bob - unfortunately way too many. I think it takes a lot more than simply showing up on election day and voting for the name that is most recognizable. Which, of course, means taking the time to get to know the candidates before the election, and holding them accountable after the election.
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 7:08am UTC
Good morning Julie. It does seem that money drives the ballot these days. But that's only because the rest of us are sitting on our hands not paying attention or holding our elected officials accountable.
Larry M. Mar 11, 2008, 7:24am UTC
How I wish that were true.

Until we change the nature of our money I fear that bullets will reign.
donna h. Mar 11, 2008, 7:38am UTC
It used to be that way
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 7:44am UTC
Good morning Larry. It's clear that the bullet never solves anything, though we seem intent on continuously trying.
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 8:58am UTC
Kathryn - LOL. I think you're right on that one!
Kathryn W. Mar 11, 2008, 9:00am UTC
hmmmm, guess those weren't his dying words?
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 9:05am UTC
Brian - Good point. At the time of Lincoln's words only a small portion of the population actually had the ability to vote. It's not uncommon for people in other countries to risk their lives to vote. So it sure makes any excuses we may have for not voting look pretty lame.

Which reminds me. I'll need an absentee ballot for the November election since I'll be in Brussels then.
Lou Anne L. Mar 11, 2008, 9:26am UTC
the ballot counter.....
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 9:50am UTC
John - So many of his words can be put into today's context. Tells you something about how foward thinking he was.
Brian T. Mar 11, 2008, 10:03am UTC
I like this quote. During the civil rights movement which was mostly non-violent lead by ML King lead to the ballot and the right to vote. This is especially important to me since my step-father earned the Bronze Star in the Pacific during WWII and could not vote in his home town because he like me is African American.

Now that the ballot was secured I think what progress (there's a lot of work still to be done) has been made and compare that to what if the bullet was used. Think about the blood bath that would have been. This country could easily be 35 or 40 years behind the social progress that was accomplished- though a lot more need to be done. I never sit out and election because of these facts. Not even if someone would threaten me with a bullet for trying to vote.
John Philipp Mar 11, 2008, 10:25am UTC
A good one, David. Short and look at the depth of the comments it engenders.
Zara' N. Mar 11, 2008, 11:11am UTC
I wish I could see that this was still true in our world today...

Z'
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 11:28am UTC
Have faith in ourselves Zara. All it takes is a little effort to pay attention.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 11, 2008, 11:37am UTC
An interesting quote you've chosen David, as usual. I recently visited the Lincoln memorial. Very impressive. He was a great man. He was also quite the visionary. Way before his time. Irked the politicians of his time. Half of them thought he was a radical. Amazing how quickly that term is applied to people who think beyond the box, isn't it?

He was a man that preferred peace; felt that war was more damaging to people than finding peaceful solutions-- but realized that bullets sometimes still come regardless of the ballot decision. We can certainly see that today, can't we?
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 11:56am UTC
Hi Sylvia - I definitely agree that he was a man ahead of his time. He dealt as well as any could with the most difficult period in American history - a war between brothers. His perseverance and leadership ultimately ended the war, then those less forgiving than he ended his life.

Funny you mention the Lincoln Memorial. I work in DC and periodically go down to visit with Abe. With my impending move to Brussels it will likely be a while before I can commune with him directly (not that I'm weird like that or anything..lol).
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 11:57am UTC
Thanks Sandy - While I like posting Lincoln's words, I even more enjoy the comments people provide. Especially when one of his more controversial statements pops up that people can relate to the current Presidential race and/or Administration.
Susan B. Mar 11, 2008, 2:18pm UTC
It is a good quote! Interesting that many of our soldiers are only given bullets and never get their absentee ballots.
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 5:32pm UTC
Really? I would hope that the people we put in harm's way are given what they need to exercise their right to vote. That would be the ultimate travesty.
Ruthe M. Mar 11, 2008, 6:39pm UTC
That's certainly true. I'd just wish people took as serious their right to vote as they do their right to bear arms.
David K. Mar 11, 2008, 7:50pm UTC
Irony is the a bitter memory.

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