True North

During this political season let's be reminded of these wise words:

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them, what they could and
should do for themselves.

Attributed to Abraham Lincoln but real author is William J.H. Boetcker.
Above is a version of the original.

Cross-posted and comments welcome at SCSU Scholars.