I was saddened to hear about the passing of Howard Zinn. He was a remarkable man, a remarkable historian and a remarkable advocate for neglected people everywhere. Perhaps best known for his book A People’s History of the United States, Howard saw this country not through the eyes of its leaders but through the eyes of slaves, peasant farmers, textile workers, teachers, bus drivers and average people like you and me. Shortly after 9/11, Mr. Zinn spoke at Reed College. The event hall was filled, of course, and the then seventy-something man came to the podium in his kaki pants and sweater and spoke, without notes for some two hours. And then he took questions. And the time passed like a few minutes. He didn’t just write history books, he was a history book. After the event, at perhaps 11PM Pacific, Zinn was mobbed by students in the lobby. I made my way into the crowd to see him sitting on a bench in the foyer, students already sitting at his feet. I wanted to talk to him too, but there were too many people. My friends and I left Reed and decided to get something to eat. We talked [...]
