March 12, 2011

President Obama Passes Over Lincoln and Cuccinelli

By Robert Morrison
My good wife and I had the privilege of joining some three hundred participants in the Lincoln Inaugural Sesquicentennial Commemoration in the Capitol last weekend. Historian Harold Holzer set the stage. As a noted Lincoln scholar, and co-chairman of the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, Dr. Holzer explained how dangerous Lincoln's first inauguration on March 4, 1861, truly was. Old Gen. Winfield Scott, that loyal Virginian, had to station sharpshooters on every rooftop along Pennsylvania Avenue. As outgoing President James Buchanan rode in an open carriage with the president-elect, U.S. Army cavalry outriders circled constantly around the black, horse-drawn vehicle, preventing well-wishers from getting a clear view of their new Chief Executive (and not incidentally obstructing the line-of-sight of any would-be assassins).Actor Sam Waterston took center stage to read the entire Lincoln First Inaugural Address. It took thirty-two minutes for the experienced stage and screen performer to...(Read Full Article)