29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Keeping democracy alive, October 9, 2003
This review is from: Passionate Declarations: Essays on War and Justice (Paperback)
"Passionate Declarations" by Howard Zinn is an outstanding collection of essays that were originally published in 1990. The new edition from 2003 features a Preface that was written just prior to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. In my view, Dr. Zinn's essays are helpful in understanding many of the forces that have influenced international events today.
A theme that runs through most of the essays pertains to the contradictions of U.S. rhetoric and policy. While the U.S. consistently espouses democratic principles, Dr. Zinn asserts that the country often acts in a Machiavellian manner in order to protect deeply embedded corporate and elitist privileges. However, Dr. Zinn is most interested in highlighting some of the individuals and organizations who have spoken truth to power and have struggled to keep democracy alive. The author reminds us about forgotten heroes from the past -- such as the laborers from the Colorado coal strike of 1913-1914 -- and helps us appreciate the hard-fought victories that were won against significant opposition from capital and government.
Dr. Zinn's personal experiences as a World War II airman and as an organizer during the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s adds vibrancy to the narrative; you soon realize that the author is an intelligent person who has had meaningful first-hand interactions with some of the important historical events of the 20th century. Dr. Zinn helps the reader understand that freedom and democracy depend more on an informed and active citizenry than on the government, whose elitist political class more often represent their own self-interests than those of the people.
One of my favorite chapters was Dr. Zinn's refutation of the idea of a just war. The author contends that the most damaging popular legacy of WW II is that the U.S. can and should use its military superiority to achieve political and economic objectives whenever it is convenient to do so. Dr. Zinn challenges this widely-held belief by highlighting the many atrocities committed by the U.S. and its allies during the war, the most spectacular of course having been the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan. He goes on to illustrate the corrupting effect that this immense military power has had on American leaders ever since; the reader is able to easily connect these tendencies with the current abysmal situation in Iraq.
I recommend this insightful book to everyone.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Howard Zinn is right on; we need to declare our independence!, June 24, 2011
This review is from: Passionate Declarations: Essays on War and Justice (Paperback)
"Passionate Declarations" more, or less is a condensed version of his award-winning book "A People's History of the United States," but please be mindful that this book isn't in chronological order, but boy does it pack a wallop!
Zinn holds back nothing in his criticism of U.S. officials wiping their lower extremities with the U.S. Constitution, while not following protocol, all the while circumventing its laws and provisions. Zinn points out that the oligarchs behind the scenes have a total disregard for our constitutional rights, while contemplating whether, or not the Constitution actually protects us at all.
Zinn is not afraid to ask the reader to use syllogisms to extrapolate the obvious fact, and the fact is the U.S. Constitution has so many loopholes in it that any seasoned lawyer, or politician can circumvent it at will. And Zinn demonstrates this fact throughout this entire book.
In the book Zinn discusses how the CIA allegedly singled out Fred Hampton for termination. Also, he touches upon World War II when the Japanese were ready to surrender to the allied powers, but the U.S. decided to bomb them into oblivion, in reference to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Plus, He takes on the Iran Contra Affair, the Water Gate scandal, the real reason we invaded Vietnam, the Gulf of Tonkin false flag operation, and so much more.
"Passionate Declarations" is comprised of nearly 250 years of U.S. history and political science.
Moreover, after reading this book many individuals would accuse Howard Zinn of being a conspiracy nut, but that couldn't be further from the truth. He's pointing out hardcore facts that should scare the living day lights out of us, and it's up to us to look inside of our own hearts and find our humanity.
Professor Zinn is asking us to protect our unions, our workforce, protect our families, support peace, hold our elected official accountable, and most importantly to love one another. So, the question is can we? I think we can, besides, that's the only way we'll truly be able to declare our independence.
To quote Professor Zinn's words:
"There are teachers in classrooms all over the world who long to talk to their pupils about peace and solidarity among people of all nations and races."
"There are ministers in churches of every denomination, who want to inspire their congregations as Martin Luther King Jr., did to struggle for justice in a spirit of joy and love."
"There are scientists anxious to use their knowledge for life instead of death."
"There are people holding ordinary jobs of all kinds who would like to participate in something extraordinary, a movement to beautify their city, their country, or their world."
"There are mothers and fathers who want to see their children live in a decent world and who, if spoken to, if inspired, if organized, could raise a cry that would be heard on the moon."
You are sorely missed Professor Zinn, and you helped millions of us by teaching us that history isn't anachronistic, but it will become our future again, and again if we don't learn from it. We must love one another if we are going to move forward.
Thank you........
5 Stars!!!!!!
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