Reader response.

"Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad."

From Henry Ketcham's book, The Life of Abraham Lincoln. He's talking about what he calls the slavery power and their downfall.

This statement comes close behind his reminder of the terrible, unspeakable things pro-slave entities did--these were largely government entities in the many states and in the federal government--to prohibit any states coming into the union as free states. Murder was common; home invasion common.

Remember "bleeding Kansas"? Missouri sent border ruffians, as they were known, into Kansas to eliminate the anti-slavery settlers, for instance.

Such atrocities and their entirely lawless behavior--with government approval; their apparent deterioration of the power to see things clearly, fairly; the tendency to distort all history to their favor; their utter disregard of any but their own desires . . . to the point of madness. These things--and the election of Abraham Lincoln--brought about their destruction.

Capsule here. But I love this book.


Yes, recovering from a heart attack gives one time to read.