Hiner celebrates Lincoln’s virtues

The annual Holmes County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner featured many speakers, but Ohio State Rep. Mark Hiner put aside party lines to celebrate the man the dinner was embracing, Abraham Lincoln.

Hiner delved into the historical look at the nation’s 16th president, focusing on the virtues and commitment to serving others Lincoln exhibited during his time as the nation’s president from 1861-65.

“When we speak the name of Abraham Lincoln, we are not merely recalling a president from long ago. We are invoking a standard, a measure, a reminder of what leadership should look like when tested by fire,” Hiner said.

Hiner said Lincoln led the nation through one of its darkest hours, the Civil War, where oftentimes brothers fought against brothers with the nation’s fate hanging in the balance.

“The United States was not debating policy differences but fighting for its very survival,” Hiner said. “In the midst of the Civil War, with families divided, states in rebellion and the future uncertain, Lincoln didn’t ask what was popular; he asked what is right. That is statesmanship.”

Hiner said as people look at the state of the union today, it is easy to draw correlations and recognize people are living in turbulent times as the nation faces political polarization, economic uncertainty, global instability and a culture that sometimes seems to reward outrage more than wisdom.

“We scroll through headlines that divide. We watch debates that generate more heat than light,” Hiner said. “We see neighbors retreat into corners rather than gather around tables. But let us be clear: Our challenges are real, yet they are not insurmountable, and compared to Lincoln’s America, ours remains blessed beyond measure.”

Lincoln assumed office as president in a time when several of the nation’s states had already seceded. Yet while the world watched and waited for America to implode, Hiner said Lincoln held fast to one singular belief.

“He felt that this nation, conceived in liberty, was worth preserving,” Hiner said. “He understood something fundamental — that America was not simply a place on a map; it is a proposition that all are created equal and that government derives its just powers from the consent of the people.”

Hiner said that when Lincoln delivered his time-honored speech at the Battle of Gettysburg, when he rose to deliver the address to all people of the nation, he did so with no bitterness or vengeance, but rather with resolve that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth.

“Think about that,” Hiner said. “In the midst of war, he spoke about renewal. In the face of division, he spoke of unity. In a moment of death, he spoke of the new birth of freedom. That is the spirit we honor.”

Hiner said the people of Holmes County understand the ideals of which Lincoln spoke, noting values like faith, family, hard work and community are of the utmost importance because they are values on which the nation was founded.

He said freedom isn’t self-sustaining; it requires responsibility, participation and courage.

“Lincoln didn’t wait for better circumstances,” Hiner said. “He didn’t complain about the obstacles in front of him. He went to work, listened carefully and prayed earnestly. He carried the burdens of the nation on his shoulders and didn’t flinch.”

Hiner compared the world of Lincoln’s day to today, noting the battle today isn’t fought on the battlefield but at ballot boxes. He said while there is now instant communication, there is less understanding.

He said while the tools have changed, the need for wisdom has not wavered.

“The question before us is this: Will we rise to our moment as Lincoln rose to his?” Hiner said. “Statesmanship is not about shouting the loudest; it’s about standing firm. It’s not about chasing applause; it’s about earning trust. It’s not about defeating opponents at any cost; it is about defending principles at every cost.

“To Lincoln leadership meant carrying the weight of criticism without surrendering conviction. He believed that strength came not from uniformity, but from the sharpening of ideas.”

Hiner said the ideal of disagreeing with others while debating issues and respecting one another is critical to success as a nation.

“We should never debate that America is worth fighting for, not with weapons but with words, with votes, with service and with character,” Hiner said. “Lincoln called America the last best hope of Earth. He understood that if liberty failed here, it would discourage freedom movements everywhere. That responsibility now lies with us.”

Hiner ended by noting Lincoln chose character, opting for unity without surrendering principles. He chose reconciliation without abandoning justice, desiring justice and charity toward all, along with seeking healing rather than revenge.

“That is not weakness; it is moral strength,” Hiner said. “Imagine what our public life will look like if we embrace that same conviction.”