‘People’s History’ author Howard Zinn dies at 87 – Washington Post

A great, honest and incredibly genuine American scholar died today.  A veteran of World War II where he served in combat as an Army Air Force  bombadier, Howard Zinn is probably the greatest “people’s historian” this country will ever have. 

His book, “A People’s History of the United States” is an absolute must read for any serious progressive or populist American academic.  It will literally change your life if you read it.  If you have never read it, buy it and read it.  Trust me, you will never be the same after you finish the book. 

In a piece entitled ‘People’s History’ author Howard Zinn dies at 87 , the Washington Post does a fine job of telling the story of a great and humble academic who told American history the way it actually happened to real, humble and hard working average Americans of all time periods. And what made him even better is that he lived so much of that history himself.

Here is a powerful paragraph from that piece:

“War continued his education. Eager to help wipe out the Nazis, Zinn joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and even persuaded the local draft board to let him mail his own induction notice. He flew missions throughout Europe, receiving an Air Medal, but he found himself questioning what it all meant. Back home, he gathered his medals and papers, put them in a folder and wrote on top: “Never again.”

You did tremendous good in your life Professor and you did it without losing your integrity.  You simply told the truth; you loved your country that much.  May you rest in peace.

שְׁמַע  יִשְׂרָאֵל, יְיָ  אֱלֹהֵינוּ, יְיָ  אֶחָד

Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheynu Adonai Ehad

CWO3 Tom Barnes, USCG (Ret.)