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Subject:
Re: The Constitution, Lincoln and the Rebellion
From:
"J. Douglas Deal" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 7 Mar 2003 20:52:47 -0500
Content-Type:
TEXT/PLAIN
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TEXT/PLAIN (18 lines) 
It makes little sense to use the "requirements of the Constitution" as a
standard by which to evaluate different Presidential policies for
circumstances (secession, war) about which the Constitution provides
almost no specific requirements. To deny that Lincoln deserves any credit for emancipation
because it was unconstitutional is myopic in the extreme. He was a leader
with the ability to persuade and inspire Americans to link restoration of
the Union with bringing an end to slavery. We should all be grateful that
a costly war at least had these two momentous and positive results.

Douglas Deal
Professor of History (on leave 2002-2003)
State University of New York at Oswego
Oswego, NY 13126
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