Howard Zinn, author of “A People’s History of the United States,” has died at age 87.

His book made a strong impression on me as a young seminarian in the 1980s when I was involved in a movement to end genocide in Central America. It told the history of America from the victim’s side of the story – Native Americans, African slaves, Chinese immigrants, women and low-wage workers – which meant that historical figures such as Christopher Columbus came across as architects of genocide.

Howard Zinn was a man on a mission. As an historian, he wrote about history “to help us in dealing with the situation we face today.” In a 2006 speech at Brandeis University (see link below), Prof. Zinn said that the American people would not have supported the occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11 if they had understood history: “We’re always liberating somebody.”

We need truth-tellers like Howard Zinn in a democracy. He cannot be replaced. He was one of a kind. I think you’ll agree if you read “A People’s History of the United States.” Once you’ve read this book it will become impossible for you to accept an official version of history that only tells the victor’s side of the story. Your eyes will have been opened to the “other” side of history.

Howard Zinn taught me that reading is a political act. We are co-conspirators either with the victors or with the victims in constructing the particular version of history that defines us as individuals and a people. Books can liberate our minds or imprison them. Which version are you reading?

http://fora.tv/2007/01/28/A_Power_Governments_Cannot_Suppress