Howard Zinn, the legendary Boston University historian and author has died. He was 87. He wasn't exactly a friend of the right but he was a prolific writer and playwright who contributed in a thoughtful way to national discourse. A veteran of air combat in Europe during World War II he committed his life to anti-war causes. He frequently teamed up with his MIT partner in crime Noam Chomsky at local and national anti-war actions.
"He's made an amazing contribution to American intellectual and moral culture," Noam Chomsky, the activist and MIT professor, said last night. "He's changed the conscience of America in a highly constructive way. I really can't think of anyone I can compare him to in this respect."
A few readers have emailed about my relationship with Zinn. I was fortunate enough to have lunch with Howard Zinn on a few occasions when I was still in high school. We would meet near the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge. He eventually wrote a college recommendation for me. Although my political and philosophic outlook has changed since high school I still admire and respect the man.
Howard Zinn, the legendary Boston University historian and author has died. He was 87. He wasn't exactly a friend of the right but he was a prolific writer and playwright who contributed in a thoughtful way to national discourse. A veteran of air combat in Europe during World War II he committed his life to anti-war causes. He frequently teamed up with his MIT partner in crime Noam Chomsky at local and national anti-war actions.
