So it's Lincoln's 200th, right?

He looks good for 200 years of age.. perhaps because since his tragic assassination our history books began getting filled with some tall tales about his life and presidency.

Lincoln was complex--like most people. His wife Mary Todd wasn't your typical wife.. she chased him once with a butcher knife according to historical folklore.. Further, Lincoln's own personal feelings of slavery evolved during his presidency before his Good Friday assassination.

But maybe it could also be worth noting: The Civil War wasn't about slavery--even Lincoln stated it was about saving the union, freeing slaves at the time wasn't the main objective. That's no defense of the South. It's simply a fact.

We have grown to emulate honest Abe like he was the most moral of presidents we've ever had. Nah.. Really he wasn't, according to modern standards.

But why do we have a love affair with Lincoln?

Why do history books praise him as a saint? When he really was an atheist..

Why do people say he freed the slaves? When really Lincoln only freed slaves not under his control!

The wonderful myths of Lincoln's rise to power make us feel good.. The role he plays in American history isn't what we think of it as.

But I guess we all need our heroes.. Even when those we choose through time aren't exactly what modern poets of lore would propose they once were..

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