A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn.

Why we like to share.

Howard Zinn, a truly remarkable figure in our society, passed away last week. I have always thought of him as a sense maker and a truth teller. Both those things can certainly get you into trouble in America, especially when those in power are directly in your line of fire. His most well-known work, A People’s History of the United States (history from the view of its unknown participants) has been a trusty companion for my outlook on the world. As has Passionate Declarations: Essays on War and Justice. And now The People Speak brings these ideas to life through wonderfully inspiring performances you can view on the History Channel: “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”

Democracy NOW!, one fine independent media network, has quite a tribute to this historian/teacher/activist. It’s a look at how he challenged the status quo and the standard myths most Americans are taught in school. But more importantly, it shows his willingness to be a participant in the great movements for change that have shaped our modern world. He was there. On the front lines. In the shit. Raising hell and speaking truth right in the face of power. He was active. And because of his example, his understanding of the world, his ability to move people with his conviction and his humor, he was able to change people’s perspectives and raise their consciousness.

He will certainly be missed. But his view of the world, “the countless small actions of unknown people” that lead to those great moments that enter the historical record, a record that you simply can’t begin to understand unless you look at those countless small actions, will certainly live on in the millions of people who were inspired by his life. You can’t be neutral on a moving train, and because of him, you know the history of those people who stood up on the side of equality, justice and peace, and you know it’s possible to do the same.

DESIGN IN THE DEBATE

Design work in the Health Care and Climate Change debates.

There is certainly a lot of shouting these days. From left, right, above and below. It’s a strange thing, those moments when the white noise nonsense sends you spinning. Duck and run for cover. And please, let’s just talk about the latest blockbuster. And maybe that new tech gadget that will make our lives better. Just not the politics that remind us all of the blowhards and windbags. The pundits and politicians, crooks and liars, droners and deceivers. It’s just too painful. And not that entertaining, no matter how many sound effects a corporate news show adds to the discourse.

America’s great debates we’ve seen in the last year have been heated to be sure. At too many times incomprehensible. For the record, I don’t watch all that much of the cable news networks, but what parts I do pick up on are enough to shock me into a coma. The things people will say, and the volume at which they’ll say it. Everybody is supposed to want to have their say. From the all-powerful on one side to the average citizen on the other. Sloppy democracy at work. But it appears a good majority are opting out. Because the point people on our little operation of representative democracy seem to be crazy. I mean, if you want to get in on this debate, it would appear you have to either be really pissed or have just uncovered something so sinister the only thing that will save us all from it destroying every last man, woman and child is to unearth it in a spectacle of patriotic duty. Plenty of outlets will give you a brief glimpse of stardom for your offering. (more…)