Friday, April 14, 2006

THE DAY LINCOLN WAS SHOT

Precisely on a day like this,
Booth shouted “Sic Semper Tyrannis”
And blew a ball through Lincoln’s brain,
Since which the theatre’s not the same.

Yes, it's the 141st anniversary of the day Lincoln was shot.

What might have been, had he lived out his second term? Would the radical Republicans have remained in check, the excesses of their reign prevented? Would the reconciliation of South and North have evolved differently? Would Jim Crow have made his appearance in the same manner?

Would Lincoln be as well-regarded today had he lived, or would he have Fucked Up in some massive way? Squandered his lead in the polls in the manner of George W. Bush? Would his face have ended up on the Half-Sawbuck or the humble one-cent piece?

Speculate amongst yourselves, Esteemed Readers.

No comments: