Seeing the Round Corners

November 27, 2017

ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND THE AMERICAN INDIAN

Since September 18th, Seeing the Round Corners has presented an historical review of Abraham Lincoln, also referred to throughout history as America’s “greatest President,” and also as the “Great Emancipator.” But as the series continued, it became obvious, the “greatest” factor grew as the country progressed to modern-day time and history dimmed.

That is the case far too often as history has a way of aggrandizing heroes on the basis of what serves the need and purpose of those doing the aggrandizing and today’s sad practice of selective heroism.

The mission statement of Seeing the Round Corners is and has been since the beginning in 2005 to get people to think for themselves, to not jump on the band wagon of idolizing a person without in-depth analysis of that person’s character from their beginning.

Two people come to mind:  John Evans and John McCain.

John Evans, Colorado’s second territorial governor, was appointed by Abraham Lincoln upon removal from office of Colorado’s first territorial governor, William Gilpin, after only nine months in office. Supporters of William Gilpin persuaded President Lincoln to appoint Gilpin as Colorado’s first territorial governor by telling Lincoln that Gilpin had created Pikes Peak in Colorado.   

John Evans, appointed to replace William Gilpin, was recognized for great feats such as founding Colorado Women’s College that grew and later was renamed the University of Denver, and many other publicly beneficial entities.

BUT, Evan’s attitude toward the American Indians was in lock-step with Lincoln’s goals of dealing with the Indians – neutralize or eliminate the American Indians in order for the country to expand westward.

Lincoln worshiped Henry Clay whose theory on the American Indians was this while serving as Secretary of State (U.S.): “The Indians’ disappearance from the human family will be no great loss to the world. I do not think, as a race, they are worth preserving.”

John McCain has been idolized since his release and return to the United States after being held more than five years as a prisoner of war. Upon his return, McCain left the wife who stood by him during his imprisonment and married his present wife who just happened to be a member of one of the wealthiest families in Arizona.

Service to one’s country is the ultimate in sacrifice and McCain is due that recognition, but his actions upon returning to the United States is where the idolizing is unwarranted. McCain’s political career was funded by his wife’s wealthy family, with no evidence discernible of any type of prior employment. Is being a politician worthy of the idolizing McCain has received?

Next week, Lincoln’s philosophy, the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation.

The reader's comments or questions are always welcome. E-mail me at doris@dorisbeaver.com.