Hello David,

 LL>> Up until Abraham Lincoln, almost all our presidents owned black
 LL>> people as property.

 DD> I was under the impression that he had owned (black) slaves as well.

Abraham Lincoln (not the fictional character) was an abolitionist
for twenty years prior to becoming president. Contrary to popular
opinion, he did not free the slaves during his tenure. It was only
after his death, with passage and ratification of the 13th Amendment
that slavery and involuntary servitude came to an end. Even then,
slavery did continue to exist in other forms, such as in prisons (as
allowed in the 13th Amendment), and indentured servants (until the
time of FDR, who banned the practice).

I never looked into what Lincoln's parents views were, except to
note that his twin brother died in childbirth. What influenced his
views on slavery may have been due to his parents beliefs, perhaps
not. What was most important to him during his tenure as president
was not the issue of slavery, but rather of keeping the country
together.

--Lee

-- 
Probably the best beer in the world

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