Abe Lincoln did not end slavery- he expanded it. Prior to the Civil War, whenever the feds wanted extra cash, they usually slapped a duty on imports. During and after the Civil War, taxes upon individuals gradually increased, culminating with the 'Federal income tax' and banking laws of 1913....so now most people are saddled with the burden of working almost half a year to pay their share- and in this country we don't get much back in return....