Abraham Lincoln and others recoiled from the idea of government as a prop for the rich. In organizing the Republican Party, they highlighted the equality of opportunity promised in the Declaration of Independence and warned that a healthy economy depended on widespread prosperity.

In this quote, Heather Cox Richardson reflects on the founding ideals of the Republican Party and its early leaders, including Abraham Lincoln. She points out that Lincoln and other founders of the party recoiled from the idea of government acting as a support for the wealthy elite. They believed that the role of government should not be to protect the interests of the rich, but to create an environment where all people had an equal chance to succeed, regardless of their background.

Richardson highlights how Lincoln and his colleagues drew inspiration from the Declaration of Independence, particularly its promise of equality of opportunity. For them, this ideal was central to the nation's identity and its economic health. They viewed a thriving economy as one where prosperity was not concentrated in the hands of a few, but was instead widely distributed among the population. This approach would ensure that everyone had the chance to contribute to and benefit from economic success.

The quote underscores the belief that widespread prosperity is key to a healthy economy. Lincoln and others argued that when wealth and opportunity are limited to a small segment of society, the overall economy suffers. A robust and sustainable economy, they believed, could only be achieved if there was equality of opportunity, allowing more people to participate and succeed. This approach was not only about economic growth but also about promoting the values of fairness and justice.

Ultimately, Richardson's statement emphasizes how the early leaders of the Republican Party viewed government as a force for promoting fairness and opportunity, rather than as a tool for protecting the interests of the wealthy elite. Their vision was rooted in the ideals of freedom and equality, and they believed that a truly healthy economy required the participation and success of all its citizens, not just a privileged few.