I wanted to thank you for your post. I always seem to find your essays/articles very warming, and they usually give me something to think about for some time (thankfully a productive process with a solidyfying and positive end). I have read Howard Zinn, though only briefly. I was lead to “A People’s History of the United States” after reading Ronald Takaki’s book “A Differnt Mirror” and together they completely re-formulated and re-invigorated the way I thought about history, knowledge, and the rule of law. I am so grateful for that. I have found strength and resolve in their words and I am grateful to you for this post. Not only because it serves to widen and broaden this discussion but because you have brought Howard Zinn, and all of the ideas and forms of that that, for me, that signifies back into my waking and direct thought patterns – but also because I think this remembrance is important. In the past few months I had forgotten Howard Zinn, and I was not even aware that he had physically died until Stephani told me last night. Now I remember, and can think about him and send him my thanks directly today.

thanks again Pancho, and much love!

daniel

May we see “A People’s History of the Planet” where “people” is a much more inclusive term than we can possibly imagine as of right now. I vote that Nonviolence should have the first chapter, as it is clearly transforming the hearts and minds of “we the people” today.

By the way, with Zinn’s “you can’t be neutral on a moving train,” I can’t help but think of Gandhi, who was asked to get off of the train in Transvaal, South Africa.

And look what became of that when he gets back to India:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S03FdpuF5qg

To better railways to ALL People,

Stephanie

thank you for your messages, essays, and articles I find them very warming, and can spend a whole day thinking about them (and usually to some productive end). I have read Howard Zinn, and although it was brief it has had a strong impact on me. I found his book “A People’s History of the United States” after reading Ronald Takaki’s “A Different Mirror” and together they served to completely change the way I would come to view history, knowledge, and the rule (or purpose) of law. I am thankful that you have written and sent this not only because I find it a useful reminder, but I believe you have done Howard Zinn a good service through your remembrance and bringing this to a wider and greater attention. Even for me, who has read and been deeply affected by his words, had forgotten him in these past months and didn’t know he had died until Stephanie told me yesterday.

thanks again and much love to you!
Daniel