We adults have had our fair share of rambling about what Barack Obama’s election to the presidency means. The Eagle-Tribune received this essay from 12-year-old Maxine Harvey, of Methuen. She wrote it for a school assignment.
Similarities and Differences of Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln
As January 20th nears, I am looking forward to watching Barack Obama make history. Throughout the campaign, reporters have compared Barack Obama to the legendary Abraham Lincoln. Those reporters should be just as lucky to live up to these wise men’s standards.
Barack and Abraham have many wonderful qualities in common. Both men came from the state of Illinois and are known for their oratorical skills. They also have the physical features of being tall, lanky men. They both have great insights into the world with visions of hope. These qualities are the type of qualities that make up an extraordinary human being.
Aside from their similarities, Barack and Abraham have their fair share of differences. Barack is a black democrat and Abraham was a white republican. Also, Barack will be the forty-forth president of this country and Abraham was the sixteenth. Lastly, Barack will enter the White House with two female children and Abraham entered with two male children.
Many people have taken for granted what Abraham has done for this country. Without Abraham and his act of ending slavery, Barack would not have been allowed to even run for President. When Barack takes the oath of office (on my birthday) I am proud to know that he will continue the task of making this country a better place.
“Peace does not appear as distant as it did. I hope it will come soon, and come to stay; and so come as to be worth the keeping in all future time.”
-August 26th 1863. Abraham Lincoln
Noah R. Bombard is the new media editor for The Eagle-Tribune in North Andover. He is a former award-winning newspaper and magazine editor who has been covering news in Massachusetts since 1997.