Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States from 1861 until he was assassinated in 1865.  He was a lawyer.

Everyone – law students, judges, political opponents – knew Lincoln as a person of integrity.  His nickname of “Honest Abe” came naturally.

Here are a few stories:

1.  Historical accounts noted that he walked miles to return a few stray pennies to a customer he accidentally shortchanged.

2.  As an attorney in Illinois, he turned down cases he believed were unjust.

3.  He communicated honestly with his generals, cabinet members and the public about the brutal realities of the Civil War.

And here are a few words from the man, spoken to law students:

“As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man.”

“Let no young man choosing the law for a calling for a moment yield to the popular belief – resolve to be honest at all events.  And if in your own judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.  Choose some other occupation.”

Fine thoughts, and I’ll forgive Lincoln for being an expression of his time … omitting women.

***

I thought of writing this post last night.  The impetus was a meme that showed up on the internet of Lincoln gesturing derisively at Trump.  “That’ll make a good post.”

Upon the passage of time, and the scribbling of words so far, I say no to yesterday’s intention.

“That isn’t Abe”

And so, if you really want to see the photo

You’ll have to seek elsewhere