I am, for the first time, reading Zinn's-The People's History of the United States-

[digonswine]

I would like to think that I "knew" this stuff before-but it is illuminated anew by his clear-headed and sensible prose.
I disregard moral relativism in general--it is clear that many of the time found slavery, etc to be wrong. I also know that people tend to give up their own moral feelings to those of the crowd. I know that I would likely not be a John Brown of the time, being a timid sort.
It is difficult to reconcile their beliefs with their deeds. It is truly, truly, hard to think that they thought they were not doing a great wrong when they said themselves that they were. When some freed their slaves posthumously. They knew-I know they did.

Oh-and the captains of industry--I wish there was a sufficient hell for these fuckers to burn in. But, alas--

[KoKo]

1. It will be interesting to hear what you thought about it...after you've read and digested what

he had to say.

It has enlightened many minds and caused a backlash of vitriol in other minds.

It will be interesting to see what "new, first time reader" thinks about what Zinn had to say in his book.

[digonswine]

3. What I meant to say was---I knew about most of the specifics from the book-he wrote it so well-

[OffWithTheirHeads]

2. I have known about this book since before the Dead Sea was even sick

but I have never read it. I'm going to put in a request at the library and give it a spin just based on your post.

[digonswine]

5. I would definitely recommend it-do it

it is not a book for rolling through-leave it and come back to it.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

7. Just did. The library will e-mail me when it is time to pick it up.

[enough]

4. I know what you mean about thinking you "knew" this stuff before.

A good historian can bring it into clarity and depth that wasn't there in what you thought you knew. I have this book on my wish list to read on audible books. Your post is reminding me to move it to the top of the list.

[KoKo]

8. Definitely...and when you finish it and have time to digest it..please post what you think. n/t

[DearAbby]

6. Welcome to the real world Neo

They didn't teach that in history class eh?