Most governments have been based, practically, on the denial of equal rights of menours began, by affirming those rights. They said, some men are too ignorant, and vicious, to share in government. Possibly so, said we; and, by your system, you would always keep them ignorant, and vicious. We proposed to give all a chance; and we expected the weak to grow stronger, the ignorant wiser; and all better, and happier together.
Abraham LincolnIf once you forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem.
Abraham LincolnYou dislike the emancipation proclamation; and, perhaps, would have it retracted. You say it is unconstitutional - I think differently.
Abraham LincolnI cannot bring myself to believe that any human being lives who would do me any harm.
Abraham Lincoln