The “Know-Nothings” label is bandied about a lot these days, usually referring to the Tea Party. But it’s good to remember where that phrase comes from.

In the 1840s, many so-called native Americans felt menaced by Irish and German immigrants, most of whom were Catholic and poor. They formed a secret society, swearing to vote only for American-born Protestants, and to oppose the Catholic Church. If asked about their politics, members always answered, “I know nothing.” Hence the name.

They became the American Party in 1854 and became powerful. President Lincoln–a good Republican– was alarmed at this flood of bigotry and wrote: “As a nation, we began by declaring that ‘all men are created equal’…When the Know-Nothings obtain control, it will read: ‘All men are created equal except Negroes, foreigners and Catholics’.”

But happily, the American party withered and went away.

Isn’t it ironic that the Party of Lincoln now considers the Tea Party its voting “base.” What a cruel blow to Lincoln that his Republican Party is being destroyed by Tea Party radicalism. I only hope history soon repeats itself and we’re done with these modern day know-nothings.

(My summary of the Know-Nothings comes from “Strange Stories, Amazing Facts of America’s Past,” a most fascinating book.)