Orwell evoking the Civil War

[Dave Meury]

I recently began reading a history of the American Civil War and was
struck by Lincoln's 1861 request of all telegraph offices in the
Northern states to turn over to the government every message sent in the
previous year.

Most people are aware of the fact that Lincoln suspended the right of
habeas corpus during the war, even in defiance of Supreme Court orders.


He also had made statements prior to becoming president that individuals
had a right to rebel against their government.

And some people in the North (not to mention Southerners) thought that
Lincoln's resorting to war was unnecessary and would only stir up more
rebellion.

In light of these items, one could make a case that he was a two-faced,
fascist dictator, using the latest technology to spy on his citizens,
etc. etc.  Why, it's Orwellian, dude; somebody should've . . . oh, yeah,
heh-heh!

Of course, in most quarters he is viewed somewhat differently today.
Just a little perspective on the recent threadlettes.  As to the one
true p-list thread, what else can anyone say but . . .

"NO, YOU ARE!"