Thus, by McGurn s own admission, Lincoln did not oppose slavery in principle. Let it not be forgotten that as an attorney, Lincoln represented two masters in seeking the return of their runaway slaves. Lincoln actually sent runaway slaves back to their masters. I am opposed to slavery. As a classical liberal, I place a premium upon human freedom.
Slavery is the polar opposite of freedom.
I scorn Lincoln not only because he was a fraud, but because the long-term result of his war is that Americans today live under a powerful central government, and are largely unfree. The need to get permission is the opposite of liberty. If that is McGurn s point, it is not clearly made. Just call it freedom. McGurn s discussion of the economics of slavery is confusing at best.