I normally ignore Ed's insane ramblings because i think he's mostly harmless. But i grew up in Illinois. Lived in Springfield for awhile. Have been to the Old State Capital, where Lincoln gave his famous "House Divided Against Itself" speech, many times. Toured the Lincoln Home in Springfield (only house Lincoln ever owned) many times. Been to the Lincoln Museum in Springfield many times (really good and highly recommended). And Ed's latest is quite possibly the dumbest thing I've ever read here.

If you think the Southern states seceded for any reason other than their desire to maintain slavery, i encourage you to go read the secession statements by South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, etc. It wasn't about state's rights or sovereignty or anything else. Lincoln was our greatest President. Full stop. Without him i do not believe the US as we know it today would exist.

Finally, Ed's statement that "some have suggested" whatever, is the lazy man's way of putting forth wacko theories. Who suggested? Where did they write it? What are their qualifications? You get the idea.

Nothing the government gives you is free.