It's easy to take things from history out of context. Follow bunny trails that excite your personal beliefs. But the fact is Abe stood up to most of the country, there are numerous examples of things he has said and done to reaffirm his positions. He's literally up there with Moses when it comes to names associated with freeing slaves. Slavery had been commonplace throughout the entire world since the beginning of time. He shines as a beacon against the grain of history and demanded that slavery end. Whether he believed it or not; doesn't really matter, he got it done. One of the greatest men to ever live. Accomplished more in one lifetime than all of together wish we could. Buncha schmucks posting anonymously on a website will never move the mountains that man did. "Don't speak ill of the the dead" They're not around to pop you in the mouth for talking shit. Read the history books. Read the articles of the day. Read his speeches. Read. Or don't. But showing some class wont kill you.