Real patriots

Thomas Jefferson, an obscure Virginian of the 18th century, did not believe that blacks were the intellectual equals of whites. He did believe that the pope and the catholic church were the enemies of civil society. For the former, see his amazement at the work of Rittenhouse, a black scientist of the period. Mr. Jefferson was outspoken on the issue of the divinity of Christ (lack of divinity) and the diabolic nature of Catholicism. Yet on his tombstone, he ordered written only three things: author of an obscure document written in July, 1776 (endowed by their Creator...), the statute allowing religion freedom in Virginia (even to those hated Papists), and founder of the University of Virginia. If you live in the US, you might apply a bit of thought to Mr. Jefferson's example. The sacrifice of personal prejudice and the importance of learning (greater than being President). Also consider the sacrifice of personal opinion made by both Hamilton and Madison in The Federalist Papers. I believe you need to plan ahead as Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Madison did. Oh, let me tie to this LOST--Juilet Burke. As in Edmund Burke, a brief biography and his views on established religion are well worth considering. Also speaking of floating islands and eggs, try a sour satirist by the name of Swift. As with Lost, his protagonist is a doctor, Gulliver's Travels is a book well worth your time. There are plenty of eggs and two theories as to how crack them. This is just the beginning...
I do not live in the United States. I regret this. and is more, every secret confinement, every restraint on our liberty is another victory for our enemies.
Finally, Lincoln suspended civil liberties. He derived no joy from this. After Lee's surrender, he ordered the Union band to play Dixie. "Malice toward none... charity for all." Victors are rarely so generous. It is all about character. Bill Clinton was wrong.