While I tend to agree that doing good does not eliminate or offset bad, I think we have to take point of view into consideration. After all, isn't it perfectly reasonable for the Sioux & Cheyenne to regard Lincoln's administration as a disaster for their people?

His BIA was so corrupt that vital supplies, guaranteed by treaty, never reached them, leading to widespread starvation & prompting a bloody uprising. Although Lincoln commuted most of the more than 100 death sentences that resulted, 26 (I believe) Sioux & Cheyenne leaders were eventually hanged.

They have no particular reason to love Lincoln. Nor do I blame them. But does that mean the rest of us have to follow along?

I have to wonder, too, is the sum total of our lives, anyone's life, always going to be the worst thing we ever did?