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.
–Abraham Lincoln
Dennisranch 
Although credited with saying these, Mr. Lincoln was not the author. They were written by Rev.William J.H. Boetcker in 1916. Ronald Reagan quoted them and gave credit to President Lincoln and they have been entered into the Congressional Record. Not disputing your post but helping to clarify.
Amen!
That’s right!!!!!!!
Thanks Ol James for setting the record straight!
That’s the trouble with speeches and speechwriters these days … : ) If you say it long enough or loud enough, it becomes history!
It’s been working for the Democraps for a long time!