RIP Howard Zinn

[HopeOverFear]

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

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.

“His writings have changed the consciousness of a generation, and helped open new paths to understanding and its crucial meaning for our lives,” Noam Chomsky, the left-wing activist and MIT professor, once wrote of Dr. Zinn. “When action has been called for, one could always be confident that he would be on the front lines, an example and trustworthy guide.”

[elocs]

1. This Howard Zinn?:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4245521

[StClone]

86. Books Online for those who wish to read Zinn

The Twentieth Century A People's History


http://books.google.com/books?id=wiHEmKdU7agC&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+twentieth+century+people%27s+history+zinn&source=bl&ots=GyJiqbznxe&sig=4PRDuCeiAkuKAESOPaJ6VxBOHAk&hl=en&ei=IfBgS9b0B4XoM6GU_NsL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=&f=false

If only a Heaven, I'd believe, to meet the man there...

[ShortnFiery]

2. Oh no! I was noticing that he was looking frail, but this is so sad. We need him ... more patriots

JUST LIKE HIM!

RIP Howard Zinn :loveya: :cry: :loveya:

[me b zola]

3. No way!

Thank you for your work, Howard, you will be missed.

[HopeOverFear]

4. My apologies; didn't see it posted before.

[ShortnFiery]

6. Some of us just signed on ...

I don't think you'll get a spanking for this. ;)

[inna]

11. No apologies needed; many people (incl. me) didn't see the other post.

The more visibility, the better.

KR, thank you for posting, and RIP to Howard Zinn, a great American. :( :cry:

[jonnyblitz]

14. no need to apologize. nt

[democrat2thecore]

79. Thank you! A lot of people rarely look at LBN. And btw..

That was actually a rude post from elocks.

[inna]

102. not rude but ridiculously, absurdly self-centrist.

[Maru Kitteh]

110. often the two are one and the same.

[malaise]

5. Damn

I will miss this great man.
Rest in peace dear man. :cry:

[G_j]

7. ..

:cry:

[PufPuf23]

8. So sad. Great and fair thinker. RIP. nt.

[rcrush]

9. I saw The People Speak on The History Channel a few months ago

Some great work. Great man.

[jgraz]

10. Oh fuck.

The bad news just keeps on coming. :cry:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

12. I fell for a Noam Chomsky has died prank the other week.

Seeing him quoted in the article made me do a double take.

Serves me right for reading 4chan.

[inna]

104. o_m_g

oy. :crazy:

[redqueen]

13. No...

:cry:

[L0oniX]

15. FUCK!

[supernova]

16. RIP Prof Zinn

:patriot:

[Cleita]

17. Oh God no!

Although he was old, this is a terrible loss for our country and the world. People like him should live forever.

[Political_Junkie]

18. We're losing all the good guys.

nt

[appal_jack]

48. time to take-up the reins...

RIP Professor Zinn. :patriot:

Hopefully some of us can try to follow in his footsteps, and also blaze a few trails of our own...

-app

[Ohio Joe]

19. RIP - nt

[druidity33]

20. dammit...

"You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train" has been sitting in my bedroom for over a week (its a Netflix, so no late fee)... just haven't been motivated for a documentary lately. I'll probably watch it tonight.

Ugh, that's sad, i'm wishing his family well. He was a hero to me.

:(

[tavalon]

124. I watched this very documentary last night

I knew he was a good man but this made me realize he was a great man.

[Dinger]

21. No No No!

Safe passage my friend.

[Luminous Animal]

22. HowardZinn.org

http://howardzinn.org/default/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

[Make7]

23. Damn... ( n/t )

[underpants]

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

Damon and Afflack might even pony up a lot of the money to make that happen...or at least be in every high school library

[progressoid]

33. Yes. . .

Instead, my kid's school makes them read Atlas Shrugged.

:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

[Hannah Bell]

43. makes them? good news, they'll come to hate it.

[SteveM]

119. HA! Almost forgot that truism! nt

[Ignis]

37. +1

I'd chip in to that project, should they start one and open it to donations.

[hippywife]

70. Most definitely!

I would, too! That book should definitely be read by as many people as possible. :hi:

[blm]

46. Absolutely. Thank You, Mr. Zinn, for all your life efforts.

.

[redqueen]

53. +1

[CrispyQ]

25. A great loss for liberals!

Rest in Peace, dear Mr. Zinn.

[G_j]

26. and all humanity

[Agony]

27. One great teacher! I feel the need to have a GIANT bonfire....

To celebrate the life of a wonderful person who enriched my life. Even though I did not ever personally meet him. I feel like I know him.

I KNOW that many of you feel the same.

Agony

[mzmolly]

28. Oh no.

I hadn't heard. :(

RIP good man.

[Loki]

29. Rest in Peace Mr. Zinn

You opened my eyes through your intelligent works and all we can do to honor your memory is to continue to be the light and make our country what it was intended to be......freedom and justice for all.

[dixiegrrrrl]

30. OMG !!!!!!

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Damn damn damn damn.

[mzteris]

31. noooooooooooooooooo. . .

He made such a difference! He will be sorely missed. The world needs more Howard Zinns!

[pleah]

32. Sad news.

[ellie]

34. RIP Howard

My husband is going to be very upset. He loves Howard Zinn.

[Recursion]

35. fsck

I assume BU will be doing some sort of service soon; if so I'll make sure to report it here.

[Overseas]

36. K&R. So sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends.

He was a very inspiring man.

[ProgressIn2008]

38. Ah, this hit me hard when I saw the headline. Zinn was a radical, a patriot, and a gentleman.

The world has lost something in his passing.

[scarletlib]

59. Yes so true.

I also keep thinking of Studs Terkel. Two very different men but both chroniclers of the ordinary citizen and their impact on our society.

[Gregorian]

39. A wise voice. Gone.

Damn. It would have always been too soon to lose him.

[LeftishBrit]

40. RIP

[Myrina]

41. Gasp! Nooooooo ....

:(

[WillyT]

42. Damn...

Rest in peace Howard... you deserve it.

:grouphug:

[Nickster]

44. Wow, this is a huge loss. RIP Howard Zinn

[JanMichael]

45. Oh that is awful. I loved his books. nt.

[pnorman]

47. Many Democracy Now! interviews with him, and here was his last one:

http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2010/1/8/howard_zinn_three_holy_wars

Use the Search function on that website to get the others; you won't be disappointed!

[BrklynLiberal]

54. That is where I had seen him the last few times...

I would bet that Amy Goodman is inconsolable.

[pnorman]

89. Amy is one TOUGH woman, but you're no doubt right.

I expect to see a special tribute to Howard Zinn there very soon. To all here on DU: WATCH FOR IT!

I have a couple of his books in Audible.com format, and I'll re-listen to them very soon (Right now I'm in part 3 of "Nixonland", but I may put that one on hold and spend the rest of the evening with Howard Zinn)

[defendandprotect]

91. Which book is "Nixonland" commentary from?

[pnorman]

107. "Nixonland" is the title of the book.

Here it is at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Nixonland-Rise-President-Fracturing-America/dp/B002BWQ4P0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264658741&sr=1-1

Actually, I went bck to it, and will probably finish Part 3, before going to my Howard Zinn audible books.

[defendandprotect]

109. OK . .. got ya -- will look for it at my library . . .

I could use something on tape cause there's rarely anything on my c ar

radio worth listening to!!

[pnorman]

111. Actually, it's not on tape, CD, or DVD.

Here's the website: http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/homepage/home.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

The books are in proprietary computer files, and you can select the desired compression for downloading. Thereafter, you can install them in (almost) any pocket-sized media player. You can also play them directly from your computer. Some of those books are pretty pricey, but if you sign up for a Plan, they're only ~$13 apiece. If you do a lot of driving, give it a serious look-see.

[defendandprotect]

131. Thank you!

I have a couple of his books in Audible.com format, and I'll re-listen to them very soon (Right now I'm in part 3 of "Nixonland", but I may put that one on hold and spend the rest of the evening with Howard Zinn)


OK . . . I mistook this for "audio" in reading quickly --

Thanks --

[jonnyblitz]

108. HA, i just checked "Nixonland" out of my public library today

when i went to pick up that gossipy "Game Change" book that they had on hold for me.

[defendandprotect]

90. I spent a few hours listening not only to Howard Zinn, but to Michael Moore interview...Wow!

Always have loved Howard Zinn --

No one can wake you up quite like Howard Zinn!!

And love that he stresses the "power of social movements" over involvement in government.

Boycotts, strikes, etal --

And have a lot of respect for Michael Moore in his honesty -
can't be easy for him -- he strongly supported Obama --

Thank you!!





PS: Didn't know about the involvement of the Hillary "ad" in the SC case -- vs

Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 911" -- and that being used as a pretext for this case!!

[EFerrari]

49. Omg.

:cry:

[blogslut]

50. Oh no.

Rest in sweet, earned peace, sir.

[defendandprotect]

51. Oh my . . . LOVED HOWARD ZINN....!!!

The kind of wisdom and spirt we needed in America --

His writings and speeches helped us all understand the difference between

the America in our hearts and the "America" of criminal deeds!!

[Lorien]

52. It's a sad day for those who value truth.

:-(

[Canuckistanian]

55. Damn.

That's too bad.

He was the consummate unapologetic liberal historian.

At least he left a legacy that others can follow. He won't be forgotten.

[glitch]

56. Thank you Howard Zinn, for a life well-lived. RIP. nt

[EFerrari]

62. It's very hard to imagine a world without him.

Without his humor, his knowledge, his honesty. We are so much poorer tonight.

:grouphug:

[glitch]

84. We are. :hug: nt

[scarletlib]

57. He will be missed.

A great historian. His 'People's History of the United States' is the best history book I have ever read (and I read history books for pleasure.) His Generation is rapidly passing away. Such a great and good man. I am so glad he got to live to see his documentary on the History Channel. I hope that show and the DVD reach many more people than his history books.

This is just so sad. How I wish he would have stayed with us a few more years.

[HarveyDarkey]

58. Thank you Dr. Zinn for all you've done

You are already missed.

[One Voice]

60. no words, just tears.

:cry:

[David Zephyr]

61. Love, respect and admiration for Howard Zinn!

This news just crushed me today.

We have lost one of the greatest advocates for the People ever.

I am really torn up over this.

[tavalon]

125. It is unfortunate that we have lost his voice, but man, that guy lived a worthwhile life!

Also, he had just lost his wife, Roz, less than two years ago, so from a personal standpoint, it might well be a kindness to him. They were best friends and had lived very amazing lives together. He was still going around stirring the passions of students and would have been at Evergreen College this weekend. What a magnificent human being he was.

[riverbendviewgal]

63. we have lost a great man

I read Mr. Zinn's books and learned so much REAL history. He opened my eyes and my mind.

I think I'll read his books again.

He will be missed greatly.

[EFerrari]

64. Please let's keep this kicked tonight

for a true lover of working people. A true hero.

[Mithreal]

65. A founder, a pillar, a lighthouse.

:cry:

Time for all people of good will and good hearts to stand up.

[libnnc]

66. Standing on the shoulders of giants

Zinn was a giant. Damn this hurts. :cry:

[SoCalDem]

67. How sad for us all.. Especially for the 4 decades we never got to hear from him

Instead we were spoonfed liberal doses of the likes of Pat Buchanan, et al.

Zinn, Royko, Chomsky, etc.. we heard little from them for many years, unless we actively sought them out. Their ideas were just too dangerous for corporate media.

RIP Howard

[JackRiddler]

68. Sad day. One of the greatest. What to say, except...

He weren't no liberal! He was a fighter.

Very few people I've read have had as much effect on me. RIP, indeed.

[MountainLaurel]

69. An educator and activist right to the end

Who will take his place?

[KonaKane]

71. A People's History of The United States

was probably the most influential book in the development of my personal social/political philosophy.

Godspeed, Howard. Thank you for being alive in my time, and for showing us what a great American is.

[G_j]

72. Video: Mutiny in the American Revolution

Video: Howard Zinn - Mutiny in the American Revolution

http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/howard-zinn-mutiny-american-revolution

[sonias]

73. Rest in peace Howard Zinn

Even though 87 is a good long life, he will be missed.

:cry:

Sonia

[KamaAina]

74. Time to pull out my copy of "A People's History of the United States"

yes, I actually have three boxes of books I haven't unpacked since the move in Sept. So sue me.

[niyad]

75. k and r for a truly remarkable, brave, loving, courageous soul. requiescat in pacem, howard.

[Ardent15]

76. Damn

RIP.

[GreenPartyVoter]

77. Oh no! We've lost a tremendous progressive voice today. :^(

[Ardent15]

78. The Freepers are truly disgusting

<http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2438884/posts>

[Onceuponalife]

113. Why even put that up here?

If I wanted to hear from rats and slimy critters I'd go to the sewer.

I was stunned when I saw this story at HuffPo. A truly great American. I read his People's History years ago and I still recommend it to people. I am getting very depressed as my heroes are starting to disappear. Last year it was Studs Terkel and now Howard. So very sad but at least it's nice to see how he has touched so many lives.

RIP Howard. You were one of the greats.

[democrat2thecore]

80. What a man.....RIP.....So Sad. -nt

[lukasahero]

81. RIP Mr. Zinn

Thank you for your efforts. :cry:

[ProgressOnTheMove]

82. Long live the memory of Howard Zinn. Rest in peace.

[ProgressOnTheMove]

83. Howard Zinn "Change has never come from Washington, change always came from the people."

[lxlxlxl]

85. g_d bless...im crushed.

bless you

[UTUSN]

87. OMZ!1 n/t

[shadowknows69]

88. ...

[zeos3]

92. Thank you Dr. Zinn. RIP

"...I wanted students to leave my classes not just better informed, but more prepared to relinquish the safety of silence, more prepared to speak up, to act against injustice wherever they saw it. This, of course, was a recipe for trouble."

[donheld]

93. Very bad news indeed!

[donheld]

94. Very bad news indeed!

[KamaAina]

95. As soon as I heard this news, I went to unpack my copy of "A People's History of the United States"

I still have three boxes of books I have yet to unpack from my move to CA in Sept.

So I pull out the middle one, slice it open, and the first book on top (okay, underneath one pamphlet) is -- "A People's History of the United Staes, 1492-present", by Howard Zinn. :tinfoilhat:

That's what I'll be re-reading for days to come.

[KonaKane]

101. Aloha from another Kamaaina

We live on the Kona coast (Kailua-Kona). Shakas!!

[d_b]

116. same here, heh.

been a good 5 or so years since I last read it.

[HughBeaumont]

122. I'm busting it out also.

Time to read it from front to back this time. I only read the first 400 pages in the initial read.

[G_j]

96. --

[EFerrari]

106. He never, ever stopped.

[Codeine]

97. He truly changed my life with his work. nt

[Greyhound]

98. What a sad day. n/t

[Odin2005]

99. NOOOOOO!

:cry:

[niyad]

100. . . .

[Better Believe It]

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

[Douglas Carpenter]

105. my goodness, I don't usually get teary eyed over the death of a public figure - but this did it

a man who could not remain silent in an unjust world. Peace be with him.

[hyphenate]

112. Goodbye, Mr.Zinn! eom

[victoryparty]

114. Great American

His wisdom and perspective will be missed. R.I.P.

[pnorman]

115. Goodbye Howard Zinn

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/actnow/522580/goodbye_howard_zinn

[G_j]

120. very good

thank you

there are also some very touching comments

[OneBlueSky]

117. 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 . . .

[ConsAreLiars]

118. A good man, who had the courage and understanding to actually do good work. (nt)

[leveymg]

121. 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.

[montanto]

123. Thank you Howard! Peace.

[arthritisR_US]

126. a terrible loss, peace Howard and thank you for your wisdom. n/t

[kentuck]

127. We have lost one of the best liberal thinkers of our time...

He cannot be replaced. It is a great loss for the progressive thinkers. We will miss him.

[MsLeopard]

128. RIP, Howard

So sorry to hear of this, he will be greatly missed. K&R

[Voltaire]

129. I remember in 2004

I flew on a tiny tiny little plane from Madison WI to Milwaukee WI early one Sunday Morning after a weekend shindig for The Progressive magazine, and there I saw scrunched in his seat because he was so tall, Howard Zinn. He had spoken at the Orpheus (or Orpheum I can't remember which), in Madison, the night before. I walked behind him as we got off the plane and he was on his way to his Boston connection; I talked on the phone with my wife while this was going on and marvelled at how very tall and thin he was. Silly me, I never thought to extend my hand, I would have been way too nervous anyway. I wish I had though, he and Kurt Vonnegut helped me to see life differently, that's for sure. I shall miss him a lot, he was a great great soul.

[sinkingfeeling]

130. A great loss to all.

[avaistheone1]

132. A brave voice of integrity and history has been lost.

RIP Howard Zinn

[ProudDad]

133. Celebrate his life...

by reading his books...

And passing them on...

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