Blog 4 History

Happy 4th of July. Let us not forget the past sacrifices of our founding fathers, veterans, and patriots. This is a day for reflection, appreciation, and yes fireworks and barbecues. A time for sharing, giving, and just spending time with family and friends. Godbless! And to take you there, a little Ray Charles:

For a little while I have been looking for something far less “political” than Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong, by James W. Loewen and I think I have found it. Though I still use Loewen’s book and some of his antidotes and stories, I wanted something more and That’s Not in My American History Book: A Compilation of Little Known Events and Forgotten Heroes, by Thomas Ayres, fits the bill. I highly recommend his book over Loewen’s presentation. More later.

I also am in the middle of James M. McPherson’s This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War, which I am enjoying. I think this book is a nice counter-part to his, Drawn with the Sword: Reflections on the American Civil War, as taken together they show a nice evolution in the thinking of this great Civil War historian.

Also, though I cannot comment on it yet, I have my review copy of James M. Schmidt’s Lincoln’s Labels: America’s Best Known Brands and the Civil War, which looks interesting.

Finally, from Newsweek magazine (6/23), I read two articles dealing with Winston Churchill, the cover story presented as “What would Winston Do?”

The two articles: A War Worth Fighting and The Mythology of Munich. I would be interested to hear your comments.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader for the 110th Congress has proclaimed that “Coal makes us sick, oil makes us sick…” I’m speechless…

The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth (History Channel, 2007)

This two-hour documentary is based on the Michael Kauffman book, American Brutus: John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies, and is another solid presentation by The History Channel. It is both educational and entertaining. The events following Lincoln’s death along with the thrilling 12-day manhunt for Booth and his conspirators makes for an exciting yarn. I like today’s trend of using reenactments within the documentary to provide a kind of doc-u-drama presentation. The total production from the score to the digital presentation is crisp and clean. I highly recommend that you add this to your educational library.

Conspiracy (2001) – Starring: Clare Bullus, Kenneth Branagh Director: Frank Pierson Rating: R. (Rated for some language, no violence or nudity)

One of the more eery, haunting and mesmerizing historically based movies I have seen. Based on the only surviving record of the The Wannsee Conference of 1942, this film brilliantly captures the disturbing ethos of Nazism in all its horrifying elements. in the winter of 1942, Himmler’s second in command of the SS, Reinhard Heydrich, held the conference in Berlin with 15 top Nazi officials in order to coordinate the “Final Solution” (Endlösung) — the extermination the entire Jewish race in Europe. This slow, but deliberated paced movie still captures your attention and holds it through-out. The plain and matter-of-fact discussion on the part of the Nazi’s concerning exterminating the Jews takes place with laughter, wine, and Hors d’oeuvre, and this is impacting as it highlights an atmosphere that we today could never understand. This is another must have for the educational toolbox, especially if you teach 20th Century or any modern European history class.

Why We Fight (2006) – Director: Eugene Jarecki Rating: PG-13.

This presentation, though leaning left, still manages to present a very thought-provoking documentary on the motivations and reasons for why the United States has become a kind of, “world police.” The narrative wants to lead you down a path and toward its desired end, but still it does allow alternative ideas to be expressed. But in the end, you cannot help but walk away with a dominant, “America is the problem” view of the world; which is disappointing. If you are to show this video in your classroom, you have to stop it at various points and discuss what is being said, and why.

From an isolationist nation at the end of WWI, the U.S. today has bases in over ninety countries. No other nation has been able to project military power as the U.S. does today. Yet, some argue, we really do not attempt to influence the world on a level anywhere close to past empires. When we fight today, we rarely use all of our resources; not that we wouldn’t, but that we couldn’t. On the other hand, some argue that we influence the world tremendously and do so in such a way that events like 9/11, though a surprise to most Americans, are not a surprise when you look at what our government does and the concept of “blow-back.”

If we were to discuss this topic (Why We Fight) within the two above viewpoints, what arises is: complication, uncertainty, and confusion. Each side presenting a very different view than the other. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but is rarely presented like that from either right or left.

When I teach the 20th Century to my U.S. History students, in an effort to explain our position today, I go back and step-by-step look at U.S. policy: Isolationism; Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, Containment, Carter Doctrine, ect. Everything evolves from these and other policies. You take one or two views, and twist them or do not present all aspects, you do a disservice to history.

I do wish Gore Vidal was not in this video, here is a man who is not a historian but an activist and novelist, at best. He lives in a world of fiction. How you use his assessment of WW2 and the dropping of the nuclear bombs, without properly presenting alternative viewpoints, hurts this documentary greatly. As a matter of fact, there is little balance on other issues as well. As for the Cold War, according to this video, we were the main problem. Additionally, the doc shows clips from actual U.S. propaganda films from post-WW2. Films that would make anyone cringe and blush today. Yet to simply show these clips without attempting to explain the environment that created them and WHY, is irresponsible, yet some (including educators) have no problem doing so.

“Presentism” has to be avoided. Whether we like it or not, there were threats that people believed in, legitimate ones, and those to the highest levels. The Cold War was a product of its environment and WW2 where Fascist and Totalitarian regimes plunged the world into the most devastating destruction by the hands of man ever seen, and one created by many forces. This is not at all addressed in the film, and perhaps there is not time. Instead, as noted, you have this underlining “America” is bad presentation. The problem is far more complex than this presentation suggests.

YET! this is still a documentary that you need to show. It gets to the heart of “Why We Fight,” regardless for how flawed it might be. There is a military industrial complex within our country that is out of control! There is a legit connection between our current Vice President and that military establishment. There are connections between current congressmen and women and that military establishment. We need to be more aware of this as a nation of voters.

This movie can be a great discussion tool with proper balancing. Also, within this narrative the filmmakers descend on average Americans and within short interview clips, we see how people truly don’t understand the forces involved. Yes, another reason to talk about it.

This film tells several stories. From the growing and expanding military industry from WW2 and through-out the Cold War. While doing so, it also tells of the increasing influence within the government and congress in allowing this military industry to control and shape national policies.

Though I do not agree with some aspects, Why We Fight brings us to some places that we as American’s have to consider, as already noted, the American Military Complex that Eisenhower warned us about is truly here. The weapons of warfare dominate Congress and American policy at the worst, and at best, heavily influence policy.

You can actually watch this entire documentary online here.

UPDATE 6/26/08: Not sure if I buy it, but I can guarantee Congress will DO NOTHING: The price of retail gasoline could fall by half, to around $2 a gallon, within 30 days of passage of a law to limit speculation in energy-futures markets, four energy analysts told Congress on Monday.

Ever wonder what happens to that $4 a gallon you spend at the pump, or better yet, what about the $600 billion or so we as a nation spend each year?

Yes, we need to curb our consumption. My ranting about energy is not that oil is the ultimate answer. It is a current one, however. Wind, electric, solar, bugs (seriously), and/or whatever else are all a part of the final solution. We need to start to turn away from Middle Eastern oil.

This in turn might reduce problems for us in so many other ways!

As impossible as it might have seemed a month ago, Americans are able to reduce fuel consumption. Good. It’s a start.

So was the Iraq War really about Oil? Now that Iraq is finally awarding contracts for its Worlds Third Largest reservoir of black gold, it makes you wonder. American companies are of course involved, though not the only ones.

In case you missed it, the Gulf War (the first one) is paying off: Kuwait is pumping billions into our economy.

So when you pay $4 per gallon you might assume that, what, at least a dollar of that goes right into the pocket’s of the evil oil executives, right!?

First the government, which does nothing, takes about 60 cents right off the top in taxes. Then there are other taxes that the oil companies pay just to be able to be, well, oil companies. Yes, if our government really wanted to give us instant relief, they would lower or remove SOME aspects of taxation on energy.

But don’t worry, at least a part of the $600 billion or so per year goes to the Middle East where it is helping out in big ways. For one, look at what they are building in Dubai, an 80-Story Tower With Revolving Floors Powered By Wind Turbines. At least our money is being put to good use. So take pride in pumping that SUV full of gas, just look at what it is accomplishing (—>).

Anyway, as I said, curb consumption and develop our own sources of energy so that in my lifetime we can be nearly, if not totally, free of foreign sources.

These include but are not limited to: coal liquidification, natural gas, and nuclear, along with conservation and alternative sources already mentioned. I hope energy is an issue you will consider this November.

But more importantly, by eventually getting away from sending $600 billion to the Middle East, South American Dictators, and the like, this might also reduce our global involvement in the Middle East and elsewhere. Yeah, wishful thinking.

C

Well this is a little upsetting. I noticed last week that a fellow blogger posted the complete transcript of a letter from a soldier in the 11th Wisconsin that was part of my research for my book that I posted here on this blog. Not sure why Civil War blogger Kraig McNutt grabbed it and posted it in its entirety on his site, Civil War Gazette, without proper citation? A mistake, doubtful. While doing so he even took some of my comments and did so in a manner that suggests they are his! I posted last week on his site requesting such a citation, but never received a response. We all make mistakes, but this is irksome!

Semi-centennial History of the Illinois State Normal University, 1857-1907, “THE
SCHOOL AND THE WAR,” BY JOHN H. BURNHAM, CLASS OF l861, (1907).

John A. Burnham, who was a member of the 33rd Illinois from Normal, provides an interesting account of the Battle of Bayou Cache, also known as “Cotton Plant.” As most of you know, I have written extensively on this battle in both my book, and an article that I have submitted to the Arkansas Historical Quarterly. This particular account popped up just recently on google books.

If you wish to see the background info on the fight, please refer to the above links:

The Normal regiment found itself at Pilot Knob, Mo.,
September 20, 1861. Here and near here its officers and soldiers
were taught many of the important first lessons in soldiery
and military tactics.

Although the Normal contingent formed the nucleus of
the 33rd regiment, yet it contained more than nine hundred
other members who sometimes felt the Normalites were a little
too much inclined to over-rate themselves, and considerable
jealousy was early aroused, disappearing, however, as soon as
it was seen that we were always ready to prove by acts and
not by words that we were in the war for the good of the
cause, and not to promote our own selfish interests. It was
not long before we were proud of our comrades, and our comrades
were proud to be associated with those who had originated
the idea of the schoolmaster’s regiment.

Its first baptism of fire was at Fredericktown, Mo., October
21, 1861, just enough like war to give us a slight zest for
more, not a man killed, not a drop of the Regiment’s blood
spilled, and the victory was important.

In camp at Ironton, Mo., during the winter of 1861 and
1862, our regiment suffered from sickness but gradually improved
itself in military drill, and perfected itself in hard
marching during the following spring and summer.
Colonel Hovey won his promotion on this march, which is
the main reason for the insertion of a brief account of the battle
of Bayou Cache, July 7, 1862.

Our regiment formed a part of the advance guard of General Curtis’ army of 15,000 men, marching thru Missouri and Arkansas on the way to Little Rock. The Rebels, for several days, obstructed our march by felling trees in the roads and in other ways, without giving us fight. On the morning of July 7, four companies of the 33rd regiment, with as many more from the 11th Wisconsin regiment, were reconnoitering in advance, removing the blockades, when we fell into an ambush of Texan rangers.

We were driven back at first with severe loss, although
not until Company A in charge of a smallcannon belonging
to an Indiana battery had resisted a savage attempt to
capture the gun. First Sergeant Edward M. Pike,
a Normal student now living at Chenoa, Ill., aided by one
other man, coupled the cannon by main strength to its foremost
wheels, barely saving it from capture, just as the rebels
were on the point of reaching for the artillery horses’ bridles.
He received a bullet through his cap and for his muscular activity,
daring and bravery, was a few years ago given, by the
Secretary of War, a medal of honor, which is the only medal
granted to a member of the 33rd regiment, to my knowledge.
Captain Potter, in command of our company, was severely
wounded, with several others. Just as we started to the rear
he gave me the command of the company and told me to take
it back to the rear. As a matter of fact the company or something
else was taking me rapidly back to the rear without orders,
and I shall never forget my satisfaction at being under
orders to do what was so remarkably agreeable as was that
retreat, and feeling that of all that rushing throng pushing our
way to the rear amidst the crashing bullets and falling
branches, I was perhaps the only one fortunate enough to be
acting under orders.

Colonel Hovey was in the rear with the main army, but
fortunately was mounted and on his way to join us when he
heard the sound of battle and rode like the wind to our assistance.
He met our retreating forces, about five hundred in all,
and instantly attempted with great success to halt the troops at
a good point for resistance. I shall never forget his courageous
and desperate attempts to rally the troops. I was very near
to his person when some rebel buckshot passed through his
clothing and cut the skin of the upper part of his breast. The
pain was intense as the first sensation was like being shot thru
the lungs. He turned pale and staggered, and just as I was
almost near enuf for assistance, I saw him tear open the clothing
and feel of his wound. In an instant his countenance
brightened as he drew forth his hand containing two or three
buckshot which had merely penetrated the skin. He said immediately, “It is nothing but a flesh wound and some buckshot. I am not hurt,” and immediately proceeded more vigorously than before to arrange the disorganized soldiers for desperate defense. The rally was successful, other troops arrived, the force of Texans was soon driven back and we were grandly victorious.

His descriptions offers some detail that other reports did not provide, though he essentially, as has been the case, follows only the exploits of the 33rd Illinois Regiment at the expense of the 11th. Now, this, of course, is not unusual.

Arrogance and hypocrisy…

This just in: the energy “guzzled” by Al Gore’s home in the past year would have powered 232 U.S. homes for a month. I’m sure his carbon offset purchases and the fact that he is fighting the global warming battle from his home office is more than enough to excuse this!

NASHVILLE – In the year since Al Gore took steps to make his home more energy-efficient, the former Vice President’s home energy use surged more than 10%, according to the Tennessee Center for Policy Research.

“A man’s commitment to his beliefs is best measured by what he does behind the closed doors of his own home,” said Drew Johnson, President of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. “Al Gore is a hypocrite and a fraud when it comes to his commitment to the environment, judging by his home energy consumption.”

In the past year, Gore’s home burned through 213,210 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, enough to power 232 average American households for a month.

In February 2007, An Inconvenient Truth, a film based on a climate change speech developed by Gore, won an Academy Award for best documentary feature. The next day, the Tennessee Center for Policy Research uncovered that Gore’s Nashville home guzzled 20 times more electricity than the average American household.

To read more…

Lots of movement on off-shore drilling!!

UPDATE: (6/18):  Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has dropped his long-standing support for the federal government’s moratorium on offshore oil drilling and endorsed Sen. John McCain’s proposal to let states decide. “I mean, let’s face it, the price of gas has gone through the roof, and Florida families are suffering,” Crist said Tuesday. “And my heart bleeds for them.”

UPDATE (6/17): A House subcommittee on Wednesday rejected a Republican-led effort to open up more U.S. coastal waters to oil exploration.

Also, Bush to urge Congress to allow offshore drilling.

———-

There have been some interesting developments of late. President Bush recently went to Saudi Arabia and literally begged for more oil. They turned him down, then just this week decided to increase production.

Consider the following:

In 1995, the new Republican controlled Congress voted to drill in ANWAR and President Clinton vetoed that bill. If that bill had gone into law, by 2001, we would have had millions of barrels a day of additional domestic oil production in our economy every day since the attacks on 9/11.

It is estimated that ANWAR has 10.4 billion barrels of oil which is 200 billion gallons of refined gasoline. The outer continental shelf is estimated to have 86 billion barrels of oil which would be over a trillion gallons of refined gasoline. On top of that there is an estimated availability of 2 trillion barrels of shale oil in the Western United States. We are the number 3 oil producing country in the world and if we tapped our own resources, we would beat Russia and Saudi Arabia — numbers one and two. [read more]

Presidential hopeful McCain is calling for more drilling. This from the same guy who voted against ANWAR. At least now he is flip-flopping in the right direction.

No, there will also be no discussion about the environment or Gore, enough said already.

The only way to see movement on this front is through our elected leaders. A recent poll finds that 8 in 10 Americans now consider the cost of fuel to be a significant burden.

Yet Congress has literally done nothing but put us in this position.

Finally, here’s an interesting development, Scientists have found Microbes that eat garbage, and excrete crude oil. I’m all for it.

We are so up the river without a paddle.

As promised, more pictures from the “pilgrimage.” Pictures include my children,  loving wife, and, of course, our “backyard” the ocean. Also the contrast between high and low tide, which is significant. The water gets, at times, very close to our back porch.

I hope it makes you jealous Click picture to enlarge.