Howard Zinn, historian who challenged status quo, dies at 87

[Zenlitened]

Source: Boston Globe

Howard Zinn, the Boston University historian and political activist who was an early opponent of US involvement in Vietnam and a leading faculty critic of BU president John Silber, died of a heart attack today in Santa Monica, Calif, where he was traveling, his family said. He was 87.


Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/howard_zinn_his.html

[Mika]

1. This is a monumental loss of a great American.

:(

[liberalmike27]

188. Serious Loss

I agree, we should teach history from his book, as to a post below.

He will be missed.

I remember Matt Damon saying "You want to read a book that'll knock your socks off, read A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn," in Goodwill Hunting.

[theFrankFactor]

216. Chomsky, Vidal... Who will step up?

[peggygirl]

237. He is villified by the RW and Zionists.

Makes me like him more.

[mikelgb]

2. RIP

[pansypoo53219]

125. i am most glad he had a

'good' death.

[Luminous Animal]

3. Good bye, good bye to a most amazing man.

[LuckyLib]

4. A People’s History of the United States” (1980), should be required reading for

everyone. It's a classic.

[silverweb]

16. Absolutely.

It was on my daughter's reading list in high school and I read it then, as well.

Dr. Zinn educated many, both in and perhaps more importantly, outside of, the classroom. He will be missed.

[peace frog]

200. I gave the book to my son

as it was not on his high school reading list. When my grandchildren are reading age I'll give them Zinn's children's history book.

God rest his soul, I will miss him.

[Mithreal]

42. Here's an audio link to the 20th Century version of the book in 53 parts

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

[ronnie624]

184. Thanks! n/t

[Mithreal]

185. you're welcome

[glinda]

57. great book

[Jimbo S]

123. I picked up a copy three years ago

a teacher's edition to boot. One of the days I'll get around to reading it.

[tblue]

133. I just read it last year. Yes. A must read.

I'm so sad. Truly a great humanitarian.

[mod mom]

207. Absolutely.

[Cant trust em]

5. Oh no!

This is sad.

[timtom]

6. Oh, no.

We lost a voice of sanity and passion for freedom.

[Arctic Dave]

7. Nooooooooo!

Humanity looses another great one.

[Mithreal]

38. My same thoughts.

That is truly heartbreaking.

:cry:

[rhett o rick]

8. A great man. May he rest in peace. We must carry on his work. nt

[amborin]

9. a brilliant intellectual from the working class

[hlthe2b]

10. Ohhh.... what a loss

We sure need Zinn and others like him now. I hope he mentored some wisened students who might step up in his absence. RIP, Mr. Zinn.

[enlightenment]

97. There really are plenty of good historians out there.

Zinn had the ability to write in a fashion that appealed not just to academia but the general public. That's really what made him 'different' - more than what he said, it was the way he said it.

Narrative history is regaining a foothold, after being marginalized within the academy; academics are starting to realize that spending two or three years writing a book that will only be read by a narrow audience isn't really proof of their intellectual chops. Writing a book that passes muster with the academy AND is popular with the public is the real challenge. There are some out there besides Zinn - even now.

Eric Foner is a good example for American history - he's not quite as effortless a writer (and he's not a Marxist - or as much of one as Zinn), but he's written some very good and very readable histories.

[tblue]

137. Thanks for the tip. I'll check out Foner. nt

[babylonsister]

11. Oh my, what a shocker. nt

[peacefreak]

12. Sad day.

RIP Mr. Zinn.

[catzies]

13. What a huge, shocking loss. Comfort and peace to his family & friends

And for the rest of us, God help us all. :cry:

[EmeraldCityGrl]

14. Thank you for the truth Howard Zinn and RIP.

[ThomCat]

15. He was a giant.

He was incredibly influential, as he deserved to be, and I hope that he continues to be influential long after his death.

As an historian, peace activist and commentator he always had intelligent and wise things to say. He saw far beyond himself and he helped others see far beyond themselves.

It is a shame that more people have not heard of him and listened to him while he was alive to speak for himself. :(

[jonnyblitz]

21. I met him and chitty chatted with him briefly at a book signing and

speech with DUer KathyInCambridge in Harvard Square back in the day. I gasped when i read this. :(

[ThomCat]

61. I've heard that was always a fun person to talk to in person, and he

would often go off on long tangents, telling personal anecdotes and stories. :)

I never got a chance to meet him anywhere or get any of my books signed. :(

[jonnyblitz]

77. i know this sounds cheesy but he emanated warmth and

kindness. you just wanted to hug him. I am not one to idolize people much but I feel really awful about his passing.

[hippywife]

88. Lucky you, jonny!

I never got to meet him in person but he always impressed me as you say. Thank you for confirming that for me.

[EFerrari]

92. That's doesn't sound cheesy. It sounds just like him.

Exactly like him.

[jonnyblitz]

99. my cynical and snarly self usually doesn't get gooey but old

howard warmed my cold black heart. it's something for me to make this sort of post. those were my favorite DU meetups, the book signings/speechs in the Cambridge, Harvard Square area. saw chomsky several times, amy goodman and even Al Franken.

[EFerrari]

179. One of Howard's strengths is that he was completely disarming,

lol, so I'm sure your alleged cold black heart isn't the only one he managed to thaw.

Damn, I don't attach to public figures often but sure did to him.

[UpInArms]

17. the sky has gained a very bright star and the world

has lost a great human being.

He will be missed.

[BunkerHill24]

18. RIP Mr. Zinn...you'll be greatly missed.

K & R

[d_b]

19. I don't even know what to say

I've written and deleted my reply to this thread about ten times now, so I guess I'll just submit this.



RIP Howard.

[rpannier]

20. I just started reading DU about 2 minutes ago and 2 very sad deaths

are the first things I notice

R.I.P.

[Hissyspit]

22. A life well lived.

Rest in peace.

[Starry Messenger]

23. Oh no.

This is a sad loss. :( RIP

[tekisui]

24. Thank you for your work, Howard Zinn.

Pass well.

[coffeenap]

25. I thank him for all he did for this world. Good bye to a great scholar.

[RainDog]

26. The passing of a great man

The work he did to broaden America's understanding of its history is for the ages.

[htuttle]

27. Howard Zinn, Presente!

:(

[Thaddeus]

28. A true hero

who is irreplaceable, but his struggles live on.

RIP Dr. Zinn.

[redwitch]

29. A terrible loss for America.

RIP Howard.

[underpants]

30. "A People's History" should be a high school textbook in every school

Thank you Mr. Zinn

[jaysunb]

66. My sons history teacher used it as a

companion to the state issued text. Some parents complained but enough of us defended it's use, so Mr Scott prevailed. :thumbsup:

[underpants]

199. That is excellent

I wonder if the opposing parents actually read any of it

either way that is a good thing you did :thumbsup:

[ismnotwasm]

149. I absolutely agree

It's one of the great, brave ones.

[wtmusic]

31. RIP Howard.

damn, he was a good man.

[grahamhgreen]

32. "With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want." Read Zinn Here:

http://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinncol1.html

A great loss.


"Arawak men and women, naked, tawny, and full of wonder, emerged from their villages onto the island's beaches and swam out to get a closer look at the strange big boat. When Columbus and his sailors came ashore, carrying swords, speaking oddly, the Arawaks ran to greet them, brought them food, water, gifts. He later wrote of this in his log:

They ... brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawks' bells. They willingly traded everything they owned... . They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features.... They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane... . They would make fine servants.... With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.

These Arawaks of the Bahama Islands were much like Indians on the mainland, who were remarkable (European observers were to say again and again) for their hospitality, their belief in sharing. These traits did not stand out in the Europe of the Renaissance, dominated as it was by the religion of popes, the government of kings, the frenzy for money that marked Western civilization and its first messenger to the Americas, Christopher Columbus.
Columbus wrote:

As soon as I arrived in the Indies, on the first Island which I found, I took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts.

The information that Columbus wanted most was: Where is the gold?"

[ronnie624]

192. Fascinating. Thanks for posting. n/t

[kenichol]

33. Howard opened my eyes in so many ways

This is an incredibly huge loss. Yes, his history book should be required reading for everyone!

[Vidar]

34. RIP Mr. Zinn.

[bread_and_roses]

35. A great loss to us all

Just within the last day or two I got around to reading a piece he had in Commondreams last week:

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/21-7

Always a clear eye, a clear voice, a clear vision. A very great man.

[Eyerish]

36. Oh damn...

Such surprising and sad news. :(
RIP Dr. Zinn...you will be greatly missed.

[Tansy_Gold]

37. A great loss, but also a great gift that he has left us

R.I.P.




TG

[KT2000]

39. Oh no

this is terrible.
What a wonderful contribution he has made with his life.

RIP Mr. Zinn and peace to your family.

[Bonhomme Richard]

40. A huge loss. What a week. n/t

[liberation]

41. I was lucky enough to attend a few of his lectures...

An outstanding intellectual, and a towering human being. Very, very sad news indeed... luckily he got to live a full life and we were lucky to experience the gift of his wisdom.

[Dinger]

43. Peace To You Howard

You made difference.:loveya:

[sam kane]

44. tears in my eyes...

Thank you Howard!

[deutsey]

45. Goodbye, Howard. Thank you. n/t

[PuraVidaDreamin]

46. I'm so sad over this.

It just feels like another blow to the jaw.

Peace Howard. Finally... Peace.

[lostnfound]

47. Sad news. nt

[BrklynLiberal]

48. oooooooh noooooooooooooooooo! What a tremendous loss...

:cry:

[Overseas]

49. So sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends.

He was a very inspiring man.

[marshall]

54. His wife Roslyn passed away in 2008

We owe much to these two wonderful Jewish-Americans.

[moodforaday]

100. My wife had read his books

and we have always appreciated what he was saying and learned so much from him. But my wife became truly enamored of Howard Zinn when we saw "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train", seeing how loving and kind he was toward his wife. Great minds are not uncommon, but truly great intellectuals who also remain loving and compassionate, there is precious few of those. Howard Zinn was fearless, but at the same time he was almost meek.

I'll just go cry now.

[EugeneVictor]

190. Me too

This news leaves me numb and deeply sad. That moving train? I think it just ran me over. Howard Zinn was brilliant, moral, warm-hearted, genuine and utterly unpretentious. While there have been other "People's Intellectuals" I also admire, Howard was one I regarded with affection as well. Somehow, the awful truths he brought to light were never disclosed as an invitation to despair or self-indulgent rage, but rather as an appeal to the kind of lucid commitment expressed in the saying, "We are the ones we've been waiting for."

But for now, I'm sick at heart.

[Lyric]

50. Nooo! Oh god.

:cry:

What a man, what a life. We need him, and he will be sorely missed.

[newscott]

51. We've lost a great great champion. Bless you Howard Zinn

[Dr.Phool]

52. A great loss.

His "People's History" was the most important book I ever read.

Farewell.

[puebloknot]

53. A sad and serious blow to integrity in American political/historical discourse. nt

[madmax]

55. RIP Mr. Zinn

[jonestonesusa]

56. R.I.P.

to a great historian, a great world citizen.

[Joanne98]

58. Oh no RIP

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

59. FUCK! I know he wasn't exactly a teenager, butit still sucks. I'm glad to

have met him once and shake his hand.

[loudsue]

153. Thank you for posting a picture, Guy.

I always appreciate DUers who post a picture or two of the person who has died. :shrug: I dunno why, it's just appropriate, somehow, and I never have a clue as to where to find pictures....of anybody, or how to post them if I found them.

Howard Zinn's death reduces the average intelligence of the planet over all. He was a giant with a gift.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

157. I was lucky enough to meet him once. He signed my copy of the spanish language version

of "A People's History". Unfortunately the photo didn't come out well.

[Libertas1776]

60. He is now officially

a part of the People's History of the United States. RIP Mr. Zinn.

[wickerwoman]

62. Noooo!

I was just thinking about him the other day. He was one of the interviewees in the documentary "The Corporation".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pin8fbdGV9Y

"A People's History of the United States" should be required reading and we need a hundred, a thousand, more teachers like him.

[M_A]

63. This is so sad

He still had so much to do here. We needed him and will miss him a great deal. I hope there are others who will continue to carry his torch.

RIP Dr. Zinn

[proudohioan]

64. RIP Mr. Zinn

The world has benefited your presence in it.

[Selatius]

65. His loss will be felt across the left. There are so few like him left. nt

[CTyankee]

67. By a departing light...

We see acuter, quite,
Than by a wick that stays.
There's something in the flight
That clarifies the sight
And decks the rays.

~Emily Dickinson


Thank you, Professor Zinn for your advocacy in the cause of the American republic and our democracy. You are beloved for the ages.

[fry cook from venus]

68. RIP, Dr. Zinn

At the time when someone like him is needed most. He was one of my heroes. He will be sorely missed.

[Solly Mack]

69. ...

Thank you, Mr. Zinn.

[The_Commonist]

70. Awww...

I didn't realize he was that old.
Life well spent, Sir, a life well spent.

My condolences to his family.

[EFerrari]

71. I don't think I'm ready to do this.

:cry:

[David Zephyr]

72. I am saddened beyond words. Howard Zinn is, yes, a hero, to me.

There are very few men or women who have lived in my generation who have ever won the respect, admiration and love I feel for this single man.

This hits me like a hammer right in my heart.

[WilliamPitt]

73. He got me into the game.

:(

[MissDeeds]

74. Oh damn

One less voice of reason. He will be sadly missed.

[myrna minx]

75. Oh NO!

:cry:

[EFerrari]

78. . . .

:hug:

[bertman]

76. We were fortunate and honored to have Howard Zinn to guide us. Rest in Peace, Howard.

[hippywife]

79. The man and his writing

changed my life. He was still fighting the good fight all the way to the end.



He will always be a hero in my eyes. I will miss him so much. :cry:

[barbtries]

80. i'm reading one of his books at present

and just read an interview within the last day or so. but i will say he had a good long life. RIP

[GETPLANING]

81. Goodbye to a great man, a genuine patriot

and a citizen of the world

[riverbendviewgal]

82. RIP Mr. Zinn...we will miss your wise words

I learned so much REAL history from Mr. Zinn. I am so glad to have read his books and broadened my knowledge of history.

[Goldstein1984]

83. Goodbye, Professor Zinn

Thank you for speaking the truth to me.
Thank you for speaking the truth to my children.
I'll make sure that my grandchildren learn their first lessons in history from you.

[Goldstein1984]

84. Deleted duplicate

[JimRob_is_a_douche]

85. Very sad!

His books made me into the man I am today...for better or worse!

I imagine that it'd be much easier to live my life as a blind Conservative- getting all my news from Fox and my personal views from the bumper stickers of trucks- but what kind of life is that to live?!?

RIP Professor Zinn!

[TwentyFive]

86. What a GREAT EXAMPLE of how to LIVE LIFE.

I'll bet he was on Nixon's Enemies List...a BoH.

RIP Dr. Zinn. A life well lived.

[Patsy Stone]

87. Goodbye and thank you, Howard.

RIP.

[TwentyFive]

89. Apparently he did not suffer. Good Karma for a wise and kind man.

And a productive one at that.

[DebbieCDC]

90. A monumental loss for progressive thought

Howard Zinn, :patriot:

[Mojambo]

91. I'm just sick to death over this one.

I'll never forget getting to meet him briefly. Easily one of the most inspiring human beings I've ever shared space with.

[moodforaday]

93. ...

"Democracy does not come from the government, from on high. It comes from people getting together and struggling for justice."

Howard Zinn, the greatest teacher I've known, as gentle as he was fearless. My heart aches.

[FailureToCommunicate]

94. Such a loss. He is in the film THE CORPORATION we were just watching. Graphic novel

version of the people's history of the american empire is available...

link:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/gallery/040108_zinncartoons/

[Dinger]

95. Thanks For The Link

:)

[alp227]

96. I enjoyed his "People's History of the United States" book. R.I.P.

:-(

[democrat2thecore]

115. Read his autobiography, too. "You Can't Be Neutral On A Moving Train"

He will certainly be missed. I am deeply saddened.

[Delphinus]

98. I am so sad.

Words simply cannot speak what is in my heart. :cry:

[Veracious]

101. A Great Loss...

His; A People's History of the United States, is the cannon for many American liberal and progressive historical political studies.

[kag]

102. He will be SO missed. Sleep in peace, Howard. n/t

[Mira]

103. What a monumental loss to the whole world, and us in particular.

Arundahti Roy I'm sure is devastated.

[Kitty Herder]

104. This is truly a sad day.

:cry:

[KoKo]

105. Rest in Peace...You who Exposed so Much...Our thoughts and Prayers and Vibes

are with you for exposing so many of us to what was Rotten about our AMERICAN DREAM...preached to us by COPORATIONS and GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA.

So into the Great Wind...Good Fellow.... May angels be at your back!

[anonymous171]

106. Didn't always agree with him, but I appreciated him despite our differences

This is indeed a monumental loss. RIP

[Dystopian]

107. No.....no words

Howard Zinn
Rest in Peace~

[BurtWorm]

108. Here's to a meaningful life well led.

:toast:

[KoKo]

112. "A Meaningful Life Well Led." ....Oh if only we could all do this...

but those out there today are trying...and his legacy will live on because of his body of work.

The "Elders" teach...they do this hoping their words and body of work will live on. And, those who follow have a duty to keep it all going.

CARRY THE TORCH...it's what he would have wanted.

[Warren Stupidity]

109. RIP Comrade Zinn.

You were a teacher for many of us here.

[swilton]

110. A GREAT GREAT LOSS

RIP

[SlingBlade]

111. RIP Mr. Zinn and Well Done. Very Well Done.

[zenprole]

113. Damn.

The best thing about Howard Zinn wasn't his humane grasp of history, but his appreciation of both art and humor. Once introduced as "professor emeritus," he followed up with "My grandson asked me what 'professor emeritus' means. I said 'It means you're unemployed.'" Big laughs.

This is a sad day.

[democrat2thecore]

114. Screenshot of his website tonight here

It's hard to get through - lots of traffic.

[file83]

124. *cries*

Don't know him personally, but for some reason I'm missing him big time. I guess I just realized how much his work touched me deeply. What a great, great human.

[asdjrocky]

139. Tears.

That is a great picture of a great man. You tell 'em Howard.

[Odin2005]

147. That's a great pic of him!

[harun]

116. RIP Zinn, you can rest knowing you were one of the good guys.

[proud patriot]

117. I would have never DUed had it not been for Howard Zinn

He taught me to love History and as a result Politics .

I'm very sad right now but nothing compaired to what his family
must be going through .

May Howard Zinn Rest in peace .

[Zoeisright]

118. This is a HUGE loss.

I just got the paperback version of his book today from Amazon.

[sexybomber]

119. RIP

I saw Zinn speak at SUNY Binghamton a couple years ago at a social justice conference. Even at 85, he was sharp as a tack and an incredibly engaging speaker. Obama should walk into Congress tonight with a forty, tell the press, "this is for Howard Zinn," and pour that sucker out. He will be dearly missed.

[marasinghe]

120. Go in Peace, Mr. Zinn; you were one of the best among us. (n/t)

[file83]

121. Thanks for opening my mind, Howard.

And so many others'. RIP

[ShockediSay]

136. Same here. I was fortunate enough to have a few classes w/him@ BU

in the late 60's as he fueled and I followed him

into the anti Viet Nam movement. Remarkably he gave

only one lecture overtly airing his anti Viet Nam

views. The rest of his classes he stuck to the curriculum.

[shadowknows69]

122. Good journey Mr. Zinn. RIP.

[ozymandius]

126. A thundering voice for humanity is gone.

Dr. Zinn is iconic, absolutely inimitable.

[slipslidingaway]

127. RIP :( n/t

[Kermitt Gribble]

128. Farewell to a true hero of democracy.

You will be missed, Howard.

[joshcryer]

129. RIP.

Thought this was Ward Churchill and almost cheered. Yeah, I am a bastard.

[FlyByNight]

130. Awful loss

Through his writings, Prof. Zinn is one of the few who helped me form my moral compass.

He led a very long, interesting and positively agitating life. He'll be missed.

:cry:

[lxlxlxl]

131. goddamnit...

didnt think id read this tonight...

[RoccoR5955]

132. RIP

I am greatly saddened. We have lost a great American patriot.

[chill_wind]

134. So very sorry to learn this!

What a loss.

[gtar100]

135. Great man. A blessing to have had him here.

[asdjrocky]

138. He was really my hero.

I do not use the word lightly here. The man changed my life, and in doing so, completely changed the direction of my life.

Just today I was in a used book store looking for a copy of People's History because I had given away yet another of my copies.

I gave my daughter his book when she was 12.

He's won arguments for me all of my life and this world will be less without his voice and his unblinking truth.

Howard, the People mourn you tonight.

Thank you for helping to shape who I am today.

[AlphaCentauri]

140. A real American icon

unreplaceable

[marmar]

141. Oh my God No !!!!

Yes he was 87, but that doesn't make this any less devastating.

Rest in Peace, Brother Zinn.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

142. OMG! RIP sweet soul....the world just dimmed greatly. Your work is immortal!

who will pick up such a torch?

[HughBeaumont]

143. Goodbye, and above all, THANK YOU.

You opened up the eyes of those who chose not to see.

You made the voices of those who REALLY made this great nation and this nation great heard and heeded. The sacrifices, troubles, hardships and triumphs of the unsung workers, women and children will forever have a place thanks to you.

Good journey and Godspeed, Howard.

[jonathon]

144. Sad night.

[wysi]

145. Howard Zinn was my Poly Sci professor at BU during the mid 80s

I learned more in that class than in any other I took in college. I also had the chance to know him personally, and he was a very fine and caring man. RIP Professor.

[Odin2005]

146. Oh no!

:cry:

[zeos3]

148. It's a sad day.

[Blue_Tires]

150. r.i.p.

[donheld]

151. This is a huge loss for the progressive movement.

[Carnage251]

152. A true Patriot

:patriot:

[Smarmie Doofus]

154. The Logic of Withdrawal. Read it in 9th grade.

An eye opener.

Later saw him on the BU campus now and again.

A life well-lived. RIP.

[femrap]

155. So sad....

he was a patriotic who spoke the Truth and cared tremendously for Justice and Liberty.

RIP, Mr. Zinn. You will be missed.

[stillrockin]

156. RIP, Mr. Zinn. You were and always will be one of my heroes.

[pleah]

158. Very sad. RIP

[spoony]

159. Damn, RIP to a great man. nt

[Greyhound]

160. What a sad day. n/t

[MrMickeysMom]

161. My heart just paused...

Howard Zinn, whose "People's History of the World, 1492 to Present" I've been so blown away by and tried to finish so many times...

That book is truly is something to behold. There are no more articles and treatises of the human condition with "The Progressive" I'll read again. I guess that I'm lucky to have lived during the latter part of his time... but so sad now.

I will now finish and pass that message on.

[kgnu_fan]

162. He was so kind, so generous in sharing his knowledge and his time....

He was always there.... I am just so sad....

[villager]

163. People's History' author Howard Zinn dies at 87

People's History' author Howard Zinn dies at 87


By HILLEL ITALIE, AP National Writer Hillel Italie, Ap National Writer – 2 hrs 10 mins ago

Howard Zinn, an author, teacher and political activist whose leftist "A People's History of the United States" became a million-selling alternative to mainstream texts and a favorite of such celebrities as Bruce Springsteen and Ben Affleck, died Wednesday. He was 87.

Zinn died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, Calif., daughter Myla Kabat-Zinn said. The historian was a resident of Auburndale, Mass.

Published in 1980 with little promotion and a first printing of 5,000, "A People's History" was — fittingly — a people's best-seller, attracting a wide audience through word of mouth and reaching 1 million sales in 2003. Although Zinn was writing for a general readership, his book was taught in high schools and colleges throughout the country, and numerous companion editions were published, including "Voices of a People's History," a volume for young people and a graphic novel

"I can't think of anyone who had such a powerful and benign influence," said the linguist and fellow activist Noam Chomsky, a close friend of Zinn's. "His historical work changed the way millions of people saw the past."

At a time when few politicians dared even call themselves liberal, "A People's History" told an openly left-wing story. Zinn charged Christopher Columbus and other explorers with genocide, picked apart presidents from Andrew Jackson to Franklin D. Roosevelt and celebrated workers, feminists and war resisters.

<snip>

Hmm.... didn't see it when I first posted... glad the news is on DU...

No link yet.

[Ken Burch]

236. Howard Zinn helped give this country's history BACK to the people

Thanks to his work, we know how much has been done by ordinary people, by oppressed groups organizing to defend themselves and to gain the rights they deserved, by the ones who saw war from a trench instead of the Pentagon and life from the streets instead of the suites.

We need to keep Dr. Zinn's work alive, and to keep discovering the chapters of our story that those in power tried to erase.

[wordpix]

164. RIP to a great writer and great American

[Bjorn Against]

165. I am in tears right now, this is what I wrote on my Facebook page...

Today we lost a great hero. There are very few people who inspired me in the way that Howard Zinn did and I honestly don't know if I would even be the person that I am today if I had not read "A People's History of the United States". His writings on the struggles of ordinary citizens who stood up against powerful interests inspired me to take to the streets and as long as I live I will always remember the impact this man had on my life. Rest in Peace Howard, you have died a hero and we will keep fighting the battles that you dedicated your life to.

[Better Believe It]

166. RIP We shall miss him .... a lot.

[patrice]

167. Oh my . . . we are diminished by the abscence of this noble soul amongst us.

[inthebrain]

168. Great soldier for the people. We will carry on his fight!!!!

[Junkdrawer]

169. RIP. One less voice of reason. n/t

[JCMach1]

170. God Speed Howard Zinn

[yurbud]

171. it would be nice to hear that kind of historical honesty in someone with power in DC

instead, they lie about the past, why they are doing things now, and how it will affect us in the future.

[dana_b]

172. huge loss. My friend Tom tweeted:

tmorello Zinn:"u can't be neutral on a moving train". Freedom/equality/peace/justice don't just HAPPEN, the time to act is always NOW. Thanks Howard
42 minutes ago from web

That's the best way to remember Howard Zinn - act!

[tomg]

173. A great one is gone.

Thanks for what you did in the time you were here, Professor Zinn.

[burrowowl]

174. RIP

May his light shine on!

[Daphne08]

175. RIP

[Iowa]

176. A great man. He made the world a better place. He will be missed.

[Douglas Carpenter]

177. Professor Zinn was one of those rare public figures I actually feel real emotional affection for

this truly makes me feel sad.

He saw an unjust world and dedicated his life to trying to change it, Peace be upon him.

[EFerrari]

178. .

[ronnie624]

180. Thank you, Dr. Zinn. n/t

[Richd506]

181. RIP

[Kat45]

182. I used to belong to the National Writers Union, of which he was also a member.

It was the Boston local. One year he was on a panel at the NWU conference. I also love 'The People's History...' and I thought it was so cool when it was quoted in "Good Will Hunting." RIP Howard Zinn.

[SeattleGirl]

183. How sad.

I loved "A People's History of the United States".

RIP, Mr. Zinn.

[DKRC]

186. You'll be missed

RIP

[LeftofU]

187. This one hurts.

A real loss for the very small american left.

[Truth2Tell]

189. Rest in Peace Howard.

:patriot:

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

191. As kind and generous as he was brilliant

when I was a student activist, he was always supportive of our little alternative media group. He granted us interviews and often took the time to write short pieces for our programs. The influence this great man had on my life is incalculable.

[YankeyMCC]

193. His active voice will be missed

and his words will always live and enrich us.

[nolabels]

194. His human body may have expired but he lives on with all of us

Selfless givers like him the world will never have enough of :thumbsup:

[Rhiannon12866]

195. K&R. We will miss his extraordinary voice...

We've lost a national treasure. ;(

[OneBlueSky]

196. Dr. Zinn's contributions to the American historical record are immeasurable . . .

without his good work, we would only have the "official" story of how this country was formed and how it grew into the world's only remaining superpower . . .

much like the "official" story of 9/11, the American history we all learned in school (and that is regurgitated via the mass media whenever it suits them) contains a good deal of truth -- but also some major untruths and, most importantly, lots and lots of missing truths . . . such as the contributions of everyday Americans (not just those of the rich and famous) to our history . . .

Dr. Zinn took one of the first major steps to correct the record by bringing to light these contributions -- work which, in and of itself, is a major contribution, the long-term impact of which is immeasurable but certainly significant . . .

RIP, Dr. Zinn . . . and thank you . . .

[unhappycamper]

197. RIP Howard.

We will miss you in the Smedley Butler Brigade.

[Ghost Dog]

198. Howard Zinn on Alternative Radio (Archive):

/... http://www.alternativeradio.org/speakers/ZINH.shtml

* Democracy, Dissent and Disobedience (2 CD Set) #ZINH003
* Second Thoughts on the First Amendment #ZINH006
* Just & Unjust Wars #ZINH007
* 1492-1992: The Legacy of Columbus #ZINH008
* One Step Ahead of the Landlord #ZINH009
* Emma Goldman: A Dangerous Woman #ZINH010
* The Use & Abuse of History #ZINH011
* Reflections on History #ZINH012
* A People's History of the United States (2 CD Set) #ZINH013
* How Social Change Happens #ZINH014
* You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2 Tape Set) #ZINH015
* LaGuardia, Upton Sinclair, Death Penalty #ZINH016
* The Zinn Reader #ZINH017
* The Case of Sacco & Vanzetti #ZINH018
* U.S. Imperialism & the War with Spain #ZINH019
* The Future of History (4 CD Set) #ZINH020
* Bringing Democracy Alive #ZINH021
* Economic Justice #ZINH022
* Stories Hollywood Never Tells #ZINH023
* War and Democracy #ZINH024
* Artists in a Time of War #ZINH025
* Emma Goldman, Anarchism & War Resistance #ZINH026
* Can the System be Fixed? #ZINH027
* The Back Seat Interviews (2 Tape/CD Set) #ZINH028
* War on Iraq: A Dissenting View #ZINH029
* Confronting Government Lies #ZINH030
* History Matters #ZINH031
* Resistance & the Role of Artists #ZINH032
* Critical Thinking #ZINH033
* Air-Brushing History #ZINH034
* A World Without Borders #ZINH035
* Overcoming Obstacles #ZINH036
* War & Civil Disobedience #ZINH037
* Against Discouragement #ZINH038
* I Am a Trade Unionist #ZINH039
* I Was a Pushcart Peddler, Ph.D. (2 CD Set) #ZINH040
* Three Holy Wars #ZINH041
* Speaking to 8th Grade Students #ZINH042

Anthony Arnove/Amy Goodman/Howard Zinn

* Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal #ARNA-GOOA-ZINH001

Noam Chomsky/Howard Zinn

* The Cold War & the University #CHON-ZINH001

Arundhati Roy/Howard Zinn

* In Conversation #ROYA-ZINH001

Howard Zinn/Anthony Arnove/ et al

* Iraq Under Siege #ZINH-ARNA-ETAL001
* Voices of a People's History (2 Tape/CD Set) #ZINH-ARNA-ETAL002

Howard Zinn/William F. Buckley

* Reform or Revolution (3 Tape/CD Set) #ZINH-BUCW001

/et al.

* Stop the Death Penalty! #ZINH-ETAL002

Howard Zinn/Richard Haass

* Debate on the CIA #ZINH-HAAR001

Howard Zinn/Jeff Jacoby/et al

* Debate on Just War (2 CD Set) #ZINH-JAJE001

Howard Zinn/Erwin Knoll

* Interviews #ZINH-KNOE001

Howard Zinn/Studs Terkel

* An Evening with Zinn & Terkel #ZINH-TERS001

/... http://www.alternativeradio.org/speakers/ZINH.shtml

[freddie mertz]

201. I knew him through a friend's parents back in High School.

He was a very inspiring, but also very charming, approachable, and personally modest man.

A great contributor to our nation's historical consciousness, he was also a courageous and forthright activist.

Howard Zinn will be missed.

[tavalon]

202. Tonight I watched a documentary about Howard Zinn

I have known for quite a while that he was one of the good guys and had been meaning to read The People's History for so very long. The documentary taught me that he wasn't one of the good guys, he was one of our greatest.

[OneGrassRoot]

203. Oh dear....what a tremendous loss. :( n/t

[Mixopterus]

204. Cheers, Howard. You had a good run.

Reading his People's History was a transformative experience for me, about on par with my first exposure to the works of Marx. He inspired a passion to know the reality instead of just its presentation and was a contributor to my love of justice.

I'm not really a crying sort of guy, and especially not for public figures, but the news of his death has left me a little misty eyed...

[mod mom]

205. America loses a great truth teller. :(

[peekaloo]

206. RIP

sad news.

:patriot:

[leave iraq]

208. great man . . .

[Triana]

209. Rest in Peace Mr. Zinn

Thank you SO much for all you've done. This is a terrible loss. :(

[DeSwiss]

210. Goodbye Howard....

...you were one of the good ones.

- Tell Aristotle I said hi.

K&R

[leveymg]

211. It was my honor and priviledge to have Howard as my Poli Sc. Prof. for 3 years.

What a wonderful man and a great life. You were a real teacher to me and millions of others. We'll all miss you, Prof. Zinn.

[geardaddy]

212. RIP

[Hugin]

213. How very sad.

:(

[mike_c]

214. sad, sad news....

Thank you, Dr. Zinn. :cry:

[montanto]

215. Thank you Howard! Peace.

[kenfrequed]

217. Damn.

I read a lot of his books and "A peoples History..." was one of the more influential books I have ever read.

[Democracyinkind]

218. OMG! Rest in Peace Howard ... The world will never forget what you have done for us.

George Carlin, Utah Phillips, and now Howard Zinn. We are losing too many great minds lately - even if that's how life is I just can't seem to bear it. Already I feel like a generation of thinkers that has influenced me very deeply is disappearing... Let's hope for many more years with Gore Vidal, Peter Dale Scott and all the rest of them that are still here with us fighting the good fight.

[earth mom]

219. RIP Mr. Zinn.

[victorybagels]

220. RIP - An Interview With Howard Zinn

I got a chance to do a brief interview with Prof. Zinn a couple of years ago. I republished it on the Huffington Post in remembrance.

If you like you can read it here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stefan-sirucek/an-interview-with-howard_b_440159.html

Thanks all.

Stefan

[azul]

221. Shocking sad loss

But what a great live he lived. And what an excellent role model and example of a human being he continues to be.

God bless you, Mr Zinn

[JitterbugPerfume]

222. he was a great man

an intellectual without peer

[EFerrari]

223. The number of people he touched must be in the millions.

I still feel like crying this morning.

[avaistheone1]

224. Great man. great historian.

RIP

[avaistheone1]

225. Great man. great historian.

RIP

[M155Y_A1CH]

226. A great loss

to us all.

[tilsammans]

227. A great American!

Thank you, Howard Zinn. May you rest in peace. :patriot:

[katty]

228. Goodbye Howard-thanks for all you have done

[amyrose2712]

229. Awwww.

:-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-(

[Capt. America]

230. Truth teller, gadfly. His People's History is outstanding.

[daggahead]

231. Wow. Tremendous loss. He will be sorely missed. n/t

[fbahrami]

232. Thank you, Dr. Zinn.

A great mind, a gentle heart, a clear pen. Thank you.

[kooljerk666]

233. Link to lots of Howard Zinn Video & audio.....ect....

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=zinn

[lsewpershad]

234. Really sad news

He will be missed by millions.

[ProudDad]

235. Celebrate his life...

by reading his books...

And passing them on...

Farewell, Howard...and Thank you...

Oh, and think Socialist...Howard was an unabashed, unashamed, strong Socialist...