President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address 148 years ago, on Nov. 19, 1863.

Editor’s note: We usually shy away from reprinting stuff from the Internet, but we’d like to make an exception in this case, as we gear up for the holidays and the shopping and gift-giving that accompany them. “Birth of a New Tradition” is popping up in emails across the country, and several people have forwarded it to the newspaper. Its authorship is a bit murky, so apologies to whoever wrote it.

A restoring force brought some equilibrium back to the body politic in Maine and across the nation on Nov. 8.

The Supreme Court has heard arguments in a case that asks what role the Fourth Amendment will play in the 21st century, when satellite systems, GPS devices and smartphones increasingly make it possible for the government to track our every move without human intervention.

Almost exactly a year ago, members of Congress voted overwhelmingly to censure their colleague, Rep. Charlie Rangel, for bringing dishonor on the House. Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi summoned the New York Democrat to the well and chastised him for 11 ethics violations, which included improper fundraising.

We Americans are rightfully proud of our can-do spirit. We know that our nation is capable of uniting for a common goal — and triumphing.

As if we didn’t have enough financial trouble, yet another trauma looms on the horizon.

Nobody likes paying a lot for health insurance, but at least it provides peace of mind. Even while we grumble about steadily rising deductibles and co-pays, we figure if we get really sick — with cancer, say — then insurance will handle the bills.