American historian and political activist Howard Zinn passed away yesterday at the age of 87. His “revisionist” brand of history and firebrand liberal activism at Boston University made him a controversial figure–to say the least. An ardent critic of the Iraq War and of war in general, Zinn questioned the notion of the “good” war. In the above clip, he tackles the triumverate of sancosanct wars in American history–the wars that no patriotic American would ever question (the American Revolutionary War, the American Civil War, and World War II), and precedes to do exactly that–question them.
Is there truly such a thing as a “good” war?
Do the benefits of a “good” war truly outweigh the costs?
Is the “good” war truly fought as a last resort?
UPDATE: Please refer to Kathy Kattenburg’s article (posted earlier today) which also covered Howard Zinn’s passing.
Birthplace: San Diego, CA
Birthdate: That’s for me to know
Political Party: Independent
Political Philosophy: Libertarian-liberal