"I see in the near future a crisis approaching
that unnerves me and causes me to tremble
for the safety of my country. ...
Corporations have been enthroned
and an era of corruption in high places will follow,
and the money power of the country
will endeavor to prolong its reign
by working upon the prejudices of the people
until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands
and the Republic is destroyed.
I feel at this moment more anxiety for the safety
of my country than ever before, even in the midst of war.
God grant that my suspicions may prove groundless."

-- Abraham Lincoln, 1809-1865
16th president of the United States (1861-1865)
from a letter to Col. William F. Elkins, Nov. 21, 1864