LAD #14

President Abraham Lincoln

In his first inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln said that, as president, he does not have the power to abolish slavery. He also said that no state can lawfully secede from the Union, but still asked the Southern states to avoid war. Lincoln also voiced his opinion that secession itself was impractical since the sections cannot be separated "beyond the reach of each other." Lincoln finished by saying that Americans need to think about what they do, and "nothing valuable can be lost by taking time." Also, the issue of Civil War is not in his hands, but the hands of the dissatisfied Americans. If there is a war between the North and the South, it would be started by the South. Lastly, Northerners and Southerners need not be enemies, rather they should be friends.

President John F. Kennedy

Lincoln saying that the issue of Civil War is not in his hands is similar to John F. Kennedy telling Americans "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." The similarity is that the presidents are telling the people in their inaugural address that they are in control, and the people have the power to dictate the course of the country.