These days we need all the heroes we can get. And I don't mean sports stars. Lincoln's wit, innate goodness, quiet wisdom and deep reasoned reflection — elevated him to an almost superhuman figure. But this is what we should all aspire to be: ego-free, humble, wise, compassionate and smart. He seemed to glow from within.
What a difference when you think of braggarts like Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, certain candidates or any shallow self-promoter.
What a difference when you think of braggarts like Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, certain candidates or any shallow self-promoter.
What impressed me the most was his humility, and the way he turned to his own internal codes. He was a true leader, with moral courage. He won the popular vote twice, but didn't care about being popular. He didn't indulge in people-pleasing, and refused to be swayed by others' opinions — even of those in his cabinet. He wasn't insecure or indecisive -- though he did have gut-wrenching, complex moral dilemmas. What I loved the most was his turning to his inner code.
Lincoln was a real man: quiet, soft-spoken, never egotistical, never petty.
And the cast was insanely great: such an array of faces we all love! Tommy Lee Jones, hilarious and raw and feisty as the most liberal abolitionist of the Republican party, could hardly contain himself when called upon to be "moderate."
And James Spader was never more fun to watch with his walrus mustache and mercenary vote-buying goodness.
I loved Sally Field, even though her bitchiness and self-centered nagging made me cringe.
This movie got me back on tack with my own mission. It inspired me to stop wasting time. I really want to help change the world for the better. All these years, I've been afraid to speak out too much, so I've kept one foot in the doorway. I should have blasted Ann Coulte for her bigotry and hate speak -- in much louder ways. But Lincoln knew that timing was everything.
The time is now.
