06/20/2019
I suppose it seems unusual for an agricultural journalist to write a post about something other than than the usual plant, animal and soil articles so often written, but as a deeply devoted student of social history, I look at the political and social scenes today and often think back to a true story about Abraham Lincoln, during the time he worked as an attorney.
Lincoln had a wealthy client, who held the mortgage on a farm that was being purchased by a farmer and his wife. The husband died very unexpectedly and the new widow found herself in financial straits, with no way to repay the mortgage. The wealthy client came to Lincoln, requesting that he start foreclosure proceedings immediately. Lincoln knew the client was in a position to help the widow and implored upon him to try to help her instead of foreclose. The client refused to budge, stating that he was in his full legal rights. Linclon's reply to his client was, "You may have the legal right, but do you have the moral right?" Lincoln refused to initiate the foreclosure proceedings. He also lost his client. Lincoln chose to take the moral high-road, even when faced with losing a wealthy client and the income he could have generated by acquiescing to the man's demands. Taking the moral high-road was a rare thing for many to do, even in Lincoln's day, but I believe it is even more rare today. As I look at the current political scene in our nation, I pray that there are those leaders, both current and future, who will continue to act out of steadfast principle, instead of bending to the pressure, fanfare, and transient, fleeting enticements of the moment. One can only hope.
