The opening paragraph of Lincoln's speech 4th Lincoln-Douglass debate is stunning. I'd never read it before:
teachingamericanhistory.org/library/docume
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Lincoln: While [we] do remain together there must be a position of superior and inferior, and I, as much as any other man, am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.
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I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied everything. I do not understand that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave I must necessarily want her for a wife.
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Although he most certainly did not hold modern views about race, you should remember that he was trying to persuade a live audience. These statements probably say more about the prejudices of the audience in front of him than his personal opinion.
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No judgment. Why I posted it is that I've never come across it, as in it's never talked about. I wish I'd known about it.

