Dennis Prager recently interviewed Howard Zinn, emeritus professor at Boston University and author of a very influential academic text, A People’s History of the United States. When asked whether this country has contributed more good than bad in the world, Zinn replied, “Probably more bad than good. We’ve done some good, of course; there’s no doubt about that. But we have done too many bad things in the world.” He then goes on to indulge in blanket condemnation of the U.S. for everything from “annihilating Indian tribes” to the present “war in Iraq.” Although Prager forces the historian to back down on the former charge by pointing out that the vast majority of Indians in fact perished of not deliberately inflicted disease in the 17th century, Zinn’s reflexive, rancorous anti-Americanism, and unwillingness to give rightful praise to the U.S. for the unique civilization it has built, are all too apparent.
And this is the man, as Prager points out, whose text has been touted by the New York Times as “required reading” for all American students. From the likes of Zinn they will not learn gratitude for the blessings that flow from living in this free and prosperous land.
(Hat tip: writer Jack Kemp)