A Longstanding Inspiration

I'm not good at naming things. In my past life as a screenwriter, I could write the screenplay, but when it came to titling the project, Writer's Block would descend upon my thoughts and I'd come up blank. When confronted with naming my blog, I reacted like a deer caught in headlights.

What witty play on the word writing or author could I come up with? (That is assuming I am capable of witty thoughts).

The answer? None.

As I considered this dilemma, for some reason Abraham Lincoln came to mind. I'm not sure what grade I was in, but it was one of the earlier ones, that I came across a children's book recounting the life of the 16th President of the United States. The story of his allowing an elderly Native American to cross through his camp unmolested when he was a Captain in the Black Hawk War, inspired me, and I began seeking out books on the man, and still do to this day.

In exploring the life of Abraham Lincoln, eventually you're going to come across analysis of his writing (and, hopefully, you've also taken the time to read his scribblings). Lincoln was a master with words and is responsible for some brilliant speeches, including The Gettysburg Address.

Knowing this, it also dawned on me that he was a man of compassion. In the late 1970's I read Stephen B. Oates With Malice Toward None, a single volume biography of Lincoln. Oates picked out the perfect title to encapsulate Lincoln, a man who didn't want to gloat as the war came to an end, but wanted to rebuild America and repair the emotional damage that had divided the nation. With Malice Toward None are some powerful words.

And there I had the title for my blog. It pays respect to a brilliant man, and it also defines my own philosophy in life. As I hope I find the inspiration to continue to blog, I plan to be free in commenting - in conveying my opinion or thoughts. It is only one man's opinion, and while I know I've been wrong in the past (my wife has pointed this out), I do so with malice toward none, but the desire to contribute, maybe educate, hopefully inspire, but more importantly, learn a bit about myself, my strengths, my failings, and hopefully, simply entertain.