Bravery and Cowardice

There is no shortage of cowardice in public life. No one in the cult, or cult-adjacent, can stand up to “Dear Leader.” Some presumptively will cave in before any consequences are faced. There’s a reason why the book Profiles in Courage is so slim.

But there was a time when some leaders were courageous. Not just opposition leaders, but those who were brave enough to do the right thing, consequences notwithstanding. 

I don’t know if this story is true, but I want to believe it is. 

Abraham Lincoln was discussing the Emancipation Proclamation at a cabinet meeting. He sought opinions before a vote. One member said that freeing the slaves would strengthen the Confederacy, while another warned that slaves might be used as cannon fodder. A third stated that many Northerners would stop supporting the war. Lincoln listened and then asked everyone to vote “aye” or “nay” on freeing the slaves. Each cabinet member voted “Nay.” Lincoln then asked himself, “Should I issue the Emancipation Proclamation?” He responded, “Aye.” He looked around and declared, “The ‘ayes’ have it; the Emancipation Proclamation will be issued on January 1st.”