Here is the thirteenth article in our Republicans on Parade series, featuring individuals who personify what the Republican Party has become. Today’s honoree is Mitch Daniels for using his position to try to censor what Americans are allowed to learn, at the college level, no less!
In his groundbreaking work A People's History of the United States, a nti-war[sic] activist and historian Howard Zinn’s reframed the glorified slant on U.S. history provided by most textbooks and accounts. His works sparked a generation of historical reflection and brought to light the untold, often unflattering truths about our national past. When Zinn passed away in 2010, his New York Times obituary quoted a book review by historian Eric Foner: “Historians may well view [ A People’s History of the United States] as a step toward a coherent new version of American history.”
But not everyone is a fan of Zinn's work. Indiana’s former governor Mitch Daniels — currently the president of Purdue University — attempted to censor Zinn’s legacy while in office, according an article published by the Associated Press last week. Via a Freedom of Information Act request, AP obtained emails in which Daniels asked classrooms in the state to ban Zinn’s works and “clean up” its college curriculum.
In the e-mail records AP released, Daniels requested that public schools refrain from using Zinn’s work in their curriculum. He also tried to initate a statewide investigation aimed at identifying similar works and disqualifying them from being considered “credit-worthy.”… [emphasis added]
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I consider myself a student of history, because I consider it imperative to learn from, rather than repeat it. In my opinion, Zinn’s A People’s History of the Unites States is the single most significant historical work we have, because it concentrates on what actually happened, instead of treating myth as fact. Whether or not one agrees with Zinn’s perspective is up to each individual, but college level students are paying for the opportunity to learn different sides of issues and make their own decisions.
For Mitch Daniels to attempt to make the decision for them by censoring what they are allowed to learn is a typical response from Republicans, when confronted with facts that do not goose-step with their propaganda. I’m sure they won’t even try to deny Daniels. After all, he was the Republican Governor of Indiana.
16 Responses to “Republicans On Parade–7/20/2013”
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Terrifying photo TC – are they now equal opportunity racists – ie not just men but women too? Heaven help us (said with feeling)! Note the 'bravery' of one doing the Third Reich salute – and hiding behind his white sheet on the RHS (appropriate placing!).
I quite agree on the subject of education and the horrible Mitch Daniels – censorship is not good – as you rightly say, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Maybe the "brave one" doing the Third Reich salute is our good RepublicanT Mitch Daniels. He would hide his face in fear.
What's even scarier, Pat, is that Republicans have made hatred sufficiently acceptable in their own circles that they no longer heve to hide inder their sheets and hoods.
Of all the books to attempt banning! But, then again, RepublicanTs wouldn't know the truth if it hit them in the face.
Patty, I think they know it's the truth. That's why they are so intent on banning it.
Rank hypocrisy is one of the stronger attributes of Rethuglicans. In Daniels "Open Letter to the People of Purdue" upon beginning his presidency of that University, he said:
One has to wonder when Daniels will schedule his book burning. And whatever happened to that old defense of right-wingers on "creationism" to "Teach the Controversy"?
Love the Daniel's quote, Nameless.
Caught with his pants around his ankles! What a hypocrite!
Teach the controversy applied only to getting Creationism into schools. Excellent quote ❗
It seems that Mitch Daniels wants to return to the Third Reich's book burnings! What a putz!
Fifth Reich. The Fourth fizzled out after eight incompetent years.
Talk about dumbing down the electorate! Faux Noise and Limbarf etc are bad enough, but to promote censorship, to promote a bunch of automotons is downright scary.
Automotons is exactly what Republicans want.
Thank goodness this nonsense is uncovered for what it is… 🙂
Thanks Richard. I uncover all I can.
Nothing the Republicans do shames them, they double speak all the time. In the early sixties, a man named Harry Caudill wrote a book, "Night Comes to the Cumberlands." In this book he detailed the harm that coal mining had done and was doing to Eastern Kentucky. He was lambasted then, and continues to be lambasted today. He spoke the truth, but it was not convenient for the coal companies nor the politicians who are supported by them. I was required to read this book in an English Lit class at the University of Kentucky. I often wonder if that teacher was censored for including that in her curriculum.
I ceetainly hope it's still required reading, Edie.