You think the media and the politics of today are depressing? Take a peek at the newspapers during American Civil War. For a sample, an 1861 article in New York Express has this to say about Abraham Lincoln's election to the Office:
"This was a part of the game of deception played by the Republicans upon the people, to foist a man upon the country for its chief magistrate who was never regarded by his most intimate acquaintances, as anything more than a jocose, cunning, country politician.
[...]
The election of such a man at such a crisis is undoubtedly the greatest evil that has ever befallen this country. But the mischief is done, and the only relief for the American people is to shorten sail, caulk the hatches, put in the dead-lights, send down the topmasts, and prepare for a hurricane."
Yes, that was referring to Abraham Lincoln. See, what a little piece of historical knowledge can give us a wholly renewed perspective?
Lesson: It is the individual actions driven by a deep sense of moral vision that leads to a real change. Reading news and media analysts' articles, listening to talking heads on TV is an aftermath, and should be kept that way. Don't mistake one for the other.
More of the above article here. The Valley of the Shadow, a digital chronicle of the American North and South communities during the American Civil War, is here.
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