Consider the following from Lincoln's debate versus Stephen Douglas in Alton on Oct. 15, 1858: "Right and wrong ... are the two principles that have stood face to face from the beginning of time and will ever continue to struggle. The one is the common right of humanity and the other the divine right of kings. It is the same principle in whatever shape it develops itself. It is the same spirit that says, 'You work and toil and earn bread, and I'll eat it.' No matter in what shape it comes, whether from the mouth of a king who seeks to bestride the people of his own nation and live by the fruit of their labor, or from one race of men as an apology for enslaving another race, it is the same tyrannical principle."

This also applies to progressive politicians, who in their arrogance tell us we are too ignorant to know what is best for ourselves. They tell us what type toilet, or light bulb, or health care (the IRS recently determined that the minimum policy for a family of four would cost $20,000 per year when purchased from the federal government), or the size of a soda, or what type of oil to use for popcorn, or type car or size of one's home (global warming) or gun permissible to own (bad: assault rifle -- whatever that means).

This from politicians who proclaim they are pro-choice for abortion on demand or for taxpayers funding birth control for women. Such hypocrisy.

John Simon

Fairview Heights