Is Bush or Oboma More Like Lincoln?

Obama has been making commections between President Abraham Lincoln and himself by following his train route to Washington and using Lincoln's Bible for his swearing in. However, the more I've read and learned about President Abraham Lincoln, the more similarities I see between Lincoln andGeorge W. Bush.

• Lincoln was criticized by the media.
• He was poked fun of if he made errors.


• He was Commander in Chief of a war that at first was popular, but soon became very unpopular.
• As a result, the Civil War and the casualties often were blamed on him.

"Why are my boys fighting Mr. Lincoln's war," my great, great grandmother wrote to her daughter about her sons' involvement. "When will this war be over?"

Yet history proved Lincoln's critics wrong and he is known as a great president. Books are written about his superb leadership, his insight, his vision, his compassion, and his knowledge of the situation. Time will find George W. Bush a president with vision as well.

Even former President Jimmy Carter has predicted that George W. Bush will be seen as a president unfairly criticized.

Barack Obama & Abraham Lincoln

With so many references to Abraham Lincoln, during Barack Obama's Inauguration festivities, it might be helpful to have some resources so you and your youngsters can learn more about our 16th President. He was criticized during his term in office and was blamed for mistakes in the Civil War fought at that time. The media even criticized him a great deal.

Yet he was important to the black people because he issued the Emancipation Proclamation giving the slaves their freedom. Also, his leadership ensured that our country stayed together.

Abraham Lincoln for Kids: His Life & Times with 21 Activities (For Kids series) by Janis Herbert
A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln (Picture Book Biography) by David A. Adler
A. Lincoln and Me by Louise Borden
Abraham Lincoln and His Family Paper Dolls by Tom Tierney
You Are There: Abraham Lincoln's Greatest Moments: The Emancipation Proclamation/The Gettysburg Address (DVD) starring Walte Cronkite and Paul Birch
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation: The End of Slavery in America by Allen C. Guelzo
Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America by Garry Wills
Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln (The Story of the Gettysburg Address) by Jean Fritz
Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips (One of my favorite books about Lincoln)Emancipation Proclamation Silk Necktie (produced for the NY Historical Society from Lincoln's handwritten original)