Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Howard Zinn encourages us to revolt

From today's Freep: Former BU professor, and current public annoyance, Howard Zinn spoke to students at BU last night, encouraging them to join him in "withdraw(ing) our obedience from our government" over the war on terrorism.

My favorite quote from the story:

"What's being told is that we are fighting in Iraq for democracy. We are occupying in order to bring democracy and freedom to the Iraqi people," he (Zinn) said. "If you look at the history of American occupations, look at the history of U.S. interventions in other parts of the world - where have we brought democracy? There's no evidence of America bringing democracy to the countries that we occupy."

Umm, Japan? Germany? Afghanistan? OK, maybe the last one is shaky, but the first two certainly seem to qualify.

I support non-violent activism. Its necessary and important. But get your facts right. Especially your historical facts, and double especially if you're supposed to be an historian.

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