There has been so much stupidity emanating from the mouth of Donald Trump since 2016, it is difficult to keep up. His latest comment on the Civil War, though, warrants a comment. Mr. Trump feels the Civil War could have been prevented by negotiation, the fight to abolish slavery was unnecessary and the great bloodshed could have been avoided. Mr. Trump is correct that the war might have been prevented by negotiation. If President Lincoln had acquiesced on the subject of the expansion of slavery and guaranteed the institution could continue, the southern states would likely not have seceded.

Of course, the evil of slavery would have not only continued but spread. Fortunately, Lincoln was made of sterner stuff than Donald Trump. Lincoln was not concerned with his image or popularity, he was more concerned with what was right, both morally and what was right for the country. Donald Trump is concerned with one thing and one thing only, what is best for Donald Trump. Right or wrong, moral or immoral just do not register.

Michael Pelchat

Webster