Response to psychomike about Lincoln

Well, psychomike sure paints a bleak picture of life in the Union under Good Ole Abe, It makes one wonder how he could be re-elected? Now were there some abuses of civil rights during the American Civil War? Yes there were, however, the extent of same are highly exaggerated in his scenario. I highly doubt that one average citizen would face each and every alleged abuse as is indicated by the scenario. I would also point out that given that the nation’s very existence was in danger due to the treasonous secessionists and their treasonous supporters in the North, a little bit of leeway should be given to Lincoln. And, yes folks I used the "T’ word in reference to the "Confederacy". For far too long, in the interests of reconciliation many have balked at using said term, but that is exactly what they did when they took up arms against the United States and attempted to end it as a nation. The sorry old mantra of "loyalty to their states" just legitimizes their behavior, which is inexcusable. "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? Why if it prosper, none dare call it treason." the quote from Sir John Harrington is apt here. Because so many who were involved in this treason, remained the leaders of their communities after the end of the war, many didn’t dare call what was committed treason.
Here is a scenario for you in response to psychomike. Suppose for moment that the Southern states were allowed to illegally secede from the Union. This would lead to the balkanization of the North American continent into smaller and smaller nation states, as each state seceded whenever the federal government passed some law that they did not like, or a presidential candidate was elected that they did not like. You would see a militarization of the continent. There would be border wars between these new Nation states, such as Illinois and Wisconsin at war over water rights or something else. I would point out that this is not far fetched. South America after achieving independence split into many different countries, and even though they were united in their struggle against Spain for independence, once achieving nation state status they ended up going to war with each other within a decade of independence and have fought many wars between themselves since independence.
Another consequence would be the further involvement of the Americas in European power politics and alliances. Without a strong United States and a Monroe Doctrine, European powers would be deeply involved in the affairs of these American nation states. Many nation states may become effectively satellites of European powers. One can also point out that these American nation states would often be ensnared into rival alliances. Picture Illinois an ally of Germany and Indiana an ally of France and all the mess this would cause.
I would also point out that the plight of the slaves in the South was awful and needed to be addressed. The whole basis of the treasonous secession was to preserve this evil institution.
In short Abe Lincoln saved this Nation as an entity, saved this nation from constant warfare, and also ultimately led this nation to free millions of people from the evil institution of slavery. Given all this not only does he deserve to make any list of the top presidents, he deserves the very top spot. Psychomike and other southerners need to remember that the treason of secession was very dangerous.