ON THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL HARBOR – AMERICANS CAN’T REMEMBER WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW

grasstopsusa.com ^ | 12/05/2011 | Don Feder

[massmike]

“Remember Pearl Harbor” was the Second World War’s most enduring slogan – sported on buttons, blazoned across billboards and blared from the radio in one of the era’s popular songs. (“Let’s remember Pearl Harbor as we go to meet the foe. Let’s remember Pearl Harbor as we did the Alamo.”)

Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember the Alamo? Remember the Maine, Plymouth Rock and the Golden Rule? But how can you remember what you never knew? Americans are tragically ignorant of our past.

The deficit in historical knowledge is at least as ominous as the national debt. Sheep have no memory – individual or collective. They are creatures to be sheared and, ultimately, consumed.

In most U.S. schools, assuming it’s taught at all, history is presented as multicultural mélange. Instead of learning of our greatness, we obsess over our failures – at times real, at times imaginary. How can schools teach about the Constitution or the industrial revolution in America when they’re so busy doing penance for the slave trade, Wounded Knee, the Trail of Tears, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and Jim Crow?

As Churchill is reputed to have said, “History is written by victors.” The left reigns victorious in the public schools, higher education, and the news and entertainment media. Thus have its myths become conventional wisdom.

In his oft misquoted axiom, American philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who can not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Those with a basic knowledge of history at least have the option of remembering it or not. But what of those who were never taught the past in the first place?

[Hoodat]

Of course I remember when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor.

[massmike]

...and it was Bush’s fault,too...if I remember correctly!

[rfreedom4u]

I always look through my kids` history books and point out the errors. Like the current world history book that never even mentions William the Conqueror.

[Sir_Humphrey]

On a related note, the posts by "Homer B Simpson" each morning have been more enlightening that all my history profs combined. (From many years ago)

for anyone unfamiliar, this gentleman has been posting microfiche from the front section of the NYT starting with Sept 1, 1939. He has been posting it everyday since 9-1-09 and it shows the paper for the date 70 years ago.

Homer, whoever you are, thanks. My morning starts with a cup o Jo and reading your posts.

[Snickering Hound]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niihau_Incident

Then there is the little remembered “incident” where a Japanese pilot parachuted from his crippled fighter on Niihau island after the attack and inspired the local Japanese into revolt. One of the events leading to the internment of the Japanese in WWII.

[Ciexyz]

The news shows stopped commemorating Dec 7th about 20 years ago. A shame, since it was an important date for my Dad. That was his war.

[CrazyIvan]

On 9/11 I worked for a school system as transportation director. We dismissed early so I met with the superintendent (a worthless thieving liberal) to coordinate the bus schedule. When we parted I told him that whoever had attacked us might find out, like Yamamato, that all that they had done was to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve. I later learned that he was mocking me because he thought that I had referred to a Japanese cartoon character.

[cradle of freedom]

We have to get our hands on some old history text books and of course some politcally incorrect new history books.

[Clint N. Suhks]

A Classic!

[Fledermaus]

"How can schools teach about the Constitution or the industrial revolution in America when they’re so busy doing penance for the slave trade, Wounded Knee, the Trail of Tears, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and Jim Crow?"

Except for maybe Wounded Knee, everything else just listed by the author was caused by Democrats.

[bobby.223]

There was a photoshop pic up on FR yesterday, (I think FR), showing a German marked dive bomber above the Pearl Harbor attack background.

[GreenLanternCorps]

It's "Homer_J_Simpson"...

All kidding aside, it is a monumental task he has undertaken and I and many other history minded Freepers appreciate it immensely.

[bobby.223]

Dittos. I read ‘em start to finish. GREAT stuff.

[dfwgator]

Now the only thing they teach about WWII is Dresden and Hiroshima.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Of course I remember when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor."

Otter: "Germans?"

[dfwgator]

Forget it, he’s rolling.

[Fiji Hill]

In 1958, the Eisenhower administration designated December 7 as Civil Defense Day, with the intention of making Americans more aware and appreciative of our passive defenses. Events on the day included displays of civil defense equipment, “open house” at fallout shelters, etc. I even have a recording of an advertisement for Civil Defense Day from 1960.

It seems that Civil Defense Day was allowed to die after JFK became president—perhaps it was seen as too provocative toward the Soviet Union.

[Bringbackthedraft]

Now the only thing they teach about WWII is Dresden and Hiroshima. ???? ........... Where were those Concentration Camps located?

[Mad Dawgg]