Lincoln’s Character

Abraham Lincoln is said to have spoken of his life as plucking thistles and planting flowers. Thanks to L.K. Hanson’s “You Don’t Say” (Minnesota Star Tribune, Feb, 17, 2025)

Die when I may,
I want it said of me
by those who know me best,
that I have always
plucked a thistle
and planted a flower
where I thought a flower
would grow.
– Abraham Lincoln, 16th President

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When there is no character

The structure of Lincoln’s statement remains the same this Presidents’ Day, but the thistles are taking root where flowers grew.

Die when I may,
I want it said of me
by those who know me best,
that I have always
plucked a flower
and planted a thistle
where I thought a thistle
would grow.

Where have all the flowers gone? Gone to thistles every one. When will we ever learn?

Where have all the flowers gone?

Gone to thistles every one. When will we ever learn?

“He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”

Donald J. Trump

Gordon C. Stewart, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Presidents Day, Feb. 17, 2025