The Peacemaker President

By Shelby Dee

It’s President’s Day today and Honest Abe is peering over my shoulder. Or at least a bronze bust ofhim is. I haven’t asked my boss, but my guess is Lincoln must be his favorite president. I work in alaw office and recently read this quote by Lincoln: “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighborsto compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser — in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity ofbeing a good man. There will still be business enough.” These words may be applicable outside thelegal profession. Perhaps we’d all be better off if we encouraged compromise rather than division.