By Mona Austin
As Americans attempt to unravel the complex history of American slavery, light is being shed on the true contribution of Republican Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln has been painted as an ally to Blacks since he signed the Emancipation Proclamation but clearly showed his true colors -- that he was a White Supremacist -- in a debate with Stephen Douglas in Illinois on September 18, 1858. The two men were opponents but agreed on one thing -- that Blacks were inferior to Whites.
The notion of the Republican Party or the "Party of Lincoln" being the ideal party for Blacks due to its association with the man who freed the slaves is hinged on the false perception that conservatives of yesteryear were allies to former slaves. This falsehood has been used to recruit misinformed Blacks to join the Republican party.
In the midst of the attempts to white wash history through the elimination of Black History courses in schools around the nation, it is crucial to learn the part key players like Lincoln played in shaping the laws and practices that governed American society then that may have modern day ramifications.
So, what harm did Lincoln do?
He practiced a type of toxic tolerance that placed a hood over racism. Lincoln essentially endorsed nationhood and promoted ideas that appeared to be good for all, at the psych-so ial and financial expense of Blacks by ensuring that remained a bottom level work force controlled by Whites in a society where White dominance was was condoned. Such a castebsysrem where Whites led Blacks followed the Emancipation that Lincoln endorsed. His decision to sign the Emancipation Proclamation was moreseo a business choice that favored White superiority than a moral one.
The below excerpt should erase all doubt that Pres. Abraham Lincoln was a friend to Blacks:
"I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races, [applause]-that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality.
And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.
I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied every thing.
I do not understand that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave I must necessarily want her for a wife. [Cheers and laughter.] My understanding is that I can just let her alone."