Lincoln's First Six Months as the First Republican President

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, assumed office on March 4, 1861, at a time when the country was deeply divided over issues of slavery and states' rights. The first six months of his presidency were marked by several significant events and decisions that set the stage for the Civil War and shaped the course of American history. As the first Republican President, Lincoln was seen by many as the voice of the abolitionist movement.

Lincoln moved quickly as he took office, one of his first acts as president was to take steps to preserve the Union. He believed that secession was illegal and refused to recognize the Confederacy as a legitimate government. He also called for volunteers to put down the rebellion and authorized the blockade of Southern ports. These actions were met with resistance from many in the South, who saw them as an act of aggression.

Another major issue that Lincoln faced in his first six months as president was the question of slavery. He had campaigned on a platform of limiting the expansion of slavery into new territories, but many in the South saw this as a threat to their way of life. In April 1861, the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina marked the beginning of the Civil War and further intensified the debate over slavery.

During this time, Lincoln also struggled to find competent military leadership. He appointed several generals who proved to be ineffective or disloyal, including George B. McClellan and John C. Fremont. It wasn't until the appointment of Ulysses S. Grant as commander of the Union Army in early 1862 that the North began to make significant gains in the war.

Despite these challenges, Lincoln remained committed to his vision for a united and free America. He delivered several influential speeches in his first six months as president, including his first inaugural address and his message to Congress on July 4, 1861. In these speeches, he emphasized the importance of preserving the Union and the need for a strong, united effort to defeat the Confederacy. His main focus was always preserving the Union.

Overall, the first six months of Abraham Lincoln's presidency were marked by challenges and decisions that would shape the course of American history not only during his lifetime, but for the next hundred years or more. His commitment to preserving the Union and his steadfast opposition to slavery set him on a course that would lead to the ultimate defeat of the Confederacy and the eventual end of slavery. Lincoln remained focused on his goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them.

Proposed County Noise Ordinance Raises Noise on Social Media

A proposed noise ordinance in Miller County has some county citizens wanting to make some noise of their own. A planned prayer event will be held on the courthouse lawns at the next Quorum Court Meeting on March 13.

An ordinance proposed by the Quorum Court and currently under review would place noise level restrictions in the county on all citizens. According to the ordinance, a violation will be “noise that is excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud within the confines of Miller County which could annoy, disturb, injure, or endanger the comfort, peace, safety, or health of its residents or other persons.” The proposal lists potential fines starting with the first offense set at two hundred and fifty dollars. The proposal does offer exemptions for certain events, including church meetings, athletic events, parades, as well as events obtaining an exemption.

Citizens immediately took to social media to express support and opposition to the proposed ordinance. Some comments called the proposal “unnecessary,’ or a “waste,” while others said it was needed. From a casual review of the comments, it did appear a large number of people are opposed to the ordinance.

Several people on social media contacted the Dancing Ranch Farm representative Ronnie Dancer. Dancer stated that many wanted to protest the ordinance at the next meeting but that it was proposed to have instead a prayer meeting outside the courthouse on the day of the event. Dancer said he wants people to talk with the JP members and express concerns about the ordinance or support for the ordinance. Dancer pointed out that events at Halloween and Veteran events with fireworks mean that the Dancing Ranch Farm could violate the ordinance if it goes into effect. The Dancing Ranch Farm has been in operation for a little over two years and has seen success in offering a safe environment for kids and teens to host events and parties. When asked if he could possibly obtain an exemption or waiver as noted under Section 4 of the proposed ordinance, Dancer said he had no way of knowing if an exemption or waiver would be granted or what the ordinance’s requirements for such an exemption or waiver constitutes.

Dancer and others plan to meet on the courthouse lawn on March 13th at 5:00 p.m. They play to pray and hopefully talk with some of the JPs about the ordinance. Dance said several people have already been contacting their respective JP representatives. He noted that telephone numbers and contact methods have been posted on social media and can be found on the county website.

Originally published on the Four States News (https://www.fourstatesnews.us/2023/03/01/proposed-county-noise-ordinance-raises-noise-on-social-media/) reprinted here with permission.