Lincoln faced gridlock as well

Political gridlock is not unique to our time, I was reminded recently as I read the book “Team of Rivals” by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

The book recounts the challenges faced by Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet as they sought to reunite a nation embroiled in civil war.

Lincoln didn't merely struggle against the secessionist South and slavery. He had to deal with a division even among Northerners, many of whom were willing to allow slavery to continue in the South in return for an end to the war.

Even the members of Lincoln's cabinets – his trusted advisors – had conflicting philosophies, loyalties and agenda.

Yet Lincoln was shrewd and practical enough to forge compromise and consensus. His achievements are aptly depicted in the recently released Steven Spielberg film “Lincoln.”

Politicians on all sides of today's issues could ask themselves, “What would Abe have done?”