Howard Zinn, he was always available to lend his voice

[stephinrome]

We just recently screened the film "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train" here in Rome. I had seen the film a few years ago and met a Italian who had studied with Zinn in the 80s. For our screening, I tried everything I could think of to find this guy to invite him to present the film. I had this vague recollection of having corresponded with him via email so I searched through all my email for "Howard Zinn". And there it was. An email from Howard Zinn.

It was from November 2007. I had been given the impossible task of finding someone "famous" from the US to travel to Italy and speak at a national demonstration in Vicenza against the new US military base. They had me contacting everyone under the sun, from Hollywood stars who had spoken out against the war to notables from the anti-war movement. I must have sent at least 30 invitations. I received just one reply, from Howard Zinn.

He wasn't able to travel to Italy, but he offered to record a video message for the people of Vicenza. And he did.

I'd read so many times about how he was always available to lend his voice to grassroots movements. And you see it over and over again in the film, speaking before large crowds or a high school class.

And I was reminded once again of his generosity and his belief in popular struggle as a means for change.

The film itself is one of the most inspiring documentaries I've ever seen.

You can purchase the DVD here: http://www.firstrunfeatures.com/howardzinn.html
Or watch it in 9 parts on youtube: http://tinyurl.com/yckzl85

And the video he recorded for Vicenza is here: http://www.492cafe.org/video/zincenza/

R.I.P. Prof. Zinn

[G_j]

1. at the core of Zinn's brilliant intellect was HEART.

nice story!

[EFerrari]

2. The documentary has been running on Free Speech TV.

And I've been watching it over and over. What a great man he was. :hi:

[stephinrome]

6. I've seen it at least 5 times! n/t

[asdjrocky]

3. A million thanks.

I must have given out a dozen copies of People's History.

One of the only used bookstores left in my town call me when they get copies of it in, which has only been twice in the last year.

I often feel that if people knew their Zinn better, I'd never have to argue with them, lol.

Thanks again!

[stephinrome]

7. mine is on loan to a friend in Turin...

...who had never heard of Zinn before his death.

[asdjrocky]

8. Plan on buying another.

I've leaned that once people get ahold of gold like Zinn, they rarly give it back.

Thank you for that. It's my dream that everyone that needs to read him does.

[asdjrocky]

4. And you made me cry.

[asdjrocky]

5. dupe

[jonnyblitz]

9. nice story. Another person who used to post here at DU and

I met him when he was doing a book tour for "Artists in times of War" in his hometown of Boston. We spoke for a few minutes after and he seemed like a nice, down to earth guy.

[kgnu_fan]

10. I had the same experience.

He would send me an reply within 10 minutes! As if he was waiting...I am keeping his e-mail as a reminder that we can also learn to be generous and kind.

[niyad]

11. k and r and thank you for sharing this

[asdjrocky]

12. Kike for Prof. Zinn.

[Mike 03]

13. Kick and rec. xxxx