A Power Governments Cannot Suppress

Written by historian, playwright, and World War II veteran Howard Zinn, A Power Governments Cannot Suppress is a scathing attack against America's political and ethical failings, using examples of atrocities America perpetuated in history - from massacres in Vietnam to abuses of Chinese immigrant labor workers to complicity in the genocide of East Timor and much more - to add context to current ills such as the extended toll of the war in Iraq. "There is no certainty as to what would happen in our absence [in Iraq]. But there is absolute certainty about the result of our presence - escalating deaths on all sides." Zinn is firmly anti-death penalty and decries its usage as well. Of especial interest in A Power Governments Cannot Suppress is the author's denouncement of a disturbing tendency to compartmentalize the Holocaust, to forget the millions of non-Jews that were executed along with 6 million Jews, and worse, neglect the occurrence of modern acts of genocide thereby betraying the memory of victims of the Holocaust genocide. A strident call to action, speaking out against governmental and human misdeeds, and vociferously encouraging the reader to stand up and take action..

This book of short essays frees Zinn from the strictures of conventional history writing. Of course, A People's History is anything but conventional in its approach, yet it stills follows a mostly chronological narrative of history. Here, Zinn's tone is much more engaging and personal. He talks about historical figures that inspire him--Eugene V. Debs and Phillip Berrigan, for example--and relates them to struggles going on today. He puts the Iraq War and the war on terror in context with other conflicts in our history, and he discusses his own war experiences in many of the essays. He also makes clear the role that the media and popular culture play in perpetuating myths of American exceptionalism and "good wars." Overall, though, one is inspired by Zinn's optimism and hope for the future, despite everything stacked against us. This is a brisk and compelling read. Zinn is a national treasure.

Zinn recalls the many activists and movements that have brought about real change -- lessons in genuine democracy that we must not forget and that can give us hope. This is what history can teach us and what must be the focus of our attention, not the feel-good "everything is great about the US" perspective from mainstream commentary. The message that democracy lies in the hands of the people, not in government, is one that citizens have discovered again and again, as Zinn so beautifully reminds us in this important book.

Howard Zinn Professor Emeritus of Political Science, along with Noam Chomsky, are the two best political / historical writers on the Americian scene today. For a true picture of what American is really all about you could not find a better author than Professor Zinn. Mr. Zinn is an author of uncommon wisdom, insight and understanding.His thoughts on President Bush are alone worth the price of this gem. Highly Recommended.

If we don't know our history we are doomed to repeat it. In post 9/11 America, many have lost rights protected by the First Amendment. This is not a new feature in the United States. To prove his point Zinn takes the reader on a journey through moments in American history when people with opposing views suffered because of those views. He shines his unique light on important issues from the past and issues of importance now, such as the Iraq war. Zinn is appreciated for putting his words into print and challenging us all to create new ways to move towards a more just and peaceful world.