Howard Zinn: Veteran

There is an effort by conservatives like Michelle Malkin and Daniel Flynn to marginalize and malign Howard Zinn and his lifetime of work and service to the United States. Critics like these decry Zinn's comments that, regarding history, "objectivity is impossible" and that his histories have a "social aim." They seem to think the only way to look at history is through a lens that simply records dates and events. They are correct in that, dates and events are very important and, if that is what you are looking for there are plenty of books out there that do just that. They are called encyclopedias.

Mr. Zinn's books are history as influenced by his life.

When he wrote history critical of war, he wrote from experience as a man who enlisted in the Air Force eager to fight Fascism. A man who saw the horrors of war first-hand as a bombardier. A man who went back to France after the war and visited towns he had bombed and found 1000s of civilian allies of the US had been killed by his bombs.

When he wrote about oppression and slavery, he wrote from experience as a white professor at Spelman College during the height of the civil rights movement. A man who marched and protested against injustice and oppression within our own country.

I often wonder what it is that offends people so much about Zinn. True, his books show a different take on American history. A take that some call anti-American. But, is it anti-American to point out and remember the darker points of our past. I would say no. It is important to remember and look at our country's blemishes and not try to cover them up and gloss over them to make ourselves feel better.

As for the film. I would review it as a good introduction to Zinn's works. I could see how people may think it is preachy having celebrities reading these letters, but that does not change the fact that what they are reading are real voices from America's past.

I would urge people to watch the film and if you find it interesting or moving, go check out "The People Speak" or "A People's History of The United States." If you find it to be a piece of pretentious Hollywood trash, then please just take a deep breath and turn on Glen Beck and try to forget that Howard Zinn was an American hero.