Why We MUST Study History

[lovemydog]

13. As a history lover

I cheer and recommend this post. I have some random comments.

First, I'm hoping to get involved this next year in doing some videography history of my mom and dad. I want to get them on record, so to speak, with some of their wonderful stories and memories.

Second, the new books by Piketty and Warren (currently one and two on Amazon's bestseller list) point out that we are not helpless. We forge and define our own history. Taxing progressively and using that money to invest heavily in public education and repairing our infrastructure will have very positive effects at stimulating our economy to work better for the large majority of the middle class and working poor.

Third, history teaches us that things have never been easy. The majority of us are always struggling against oligarchic powers, warmongers, and ruthless plutocrats. I say this because I get kind of tired of seeing so many posts here at DU that say things like 'things have never been more divided than than they are now'. Um, try looking at Civil War, struggles over civil rights, The Vietnam War, labor battles, and so much else from history. Never give up, never give in to apathy.

Fourth, I love documentaries that show unique aspects of history. I highly recommend The Fog of War, Errol Morris' stunning documentary on Robert McNamara, who was Secretary of Defense during the escalation of the Vietnam War. That movie beautifully lays out ways we can learn from mistakes and forge a more peaceful and prosperous existence in our short time on this planet.

Thank you RBInMaine for the stimulating post!