The truth, you say? We KNOW we're the only ones that dropped THE bomb on another nation - we should mention that a bit more. Actually, we should start every discussion by by mentioning exactly that: "We are going to discuss global economy, but let us take a minute to remember that we actually nuked populated areas. Let's try not to do the same through economic warfare, shall we?"

Nooking high density populated areas is at least as big an achievement of American spirit as the landing on the moon. Stuff we did since is in the same spirit - not too tough to understand. If you like it, admit it. I think that looking for excuses is cowardly, dishonest and less than real American. You ought to say: "I'm a vile bastard and deserve whatever retribution is comming to me and I don't apologize". Or at the very least: "I think it's this way, but I'm American, so what do you expect?" I can respect that.

All American Exceptionalism I care to know about is when we direct critique to ourselves. That would be bloody exceptional, I can tell you that. Would LOVE to see some honesty and people around the world wouldn't be too sad about it either.

Why boast of our good sides? Let others judge our actions and boast for us. If we spend time boasting, we'll never correct what's wrong with us.

But you'd be sad, I take it, if we were honest. I am so sorry Zinn hurt your feelings. Truth hurts some times, real conservatives know that.

I can tell you what I would do if someone posted foreign troops in my country until they could "find a solution" - I would be killing them from dusk til dawn and then some. Same would be in any US teritorry. Just be honest. You see the world as really US teritory, with some guests posted here and there in the form of indiginous people and temporary residents, don't you? Only that would imply our right to post troops until we "find a solution".

Posting troops IS the solution, buddy. Then the killing starts. I admire Mexicans for killing us, just as I would kill them if they sent troops to my back yard. Hell, if I lived back then I would love to join St. Patricks Brigade and kill me some invaders.

"Resolve American-Mexican differences peacefully?" and "wanted to expand without war"?

What differences? That the rich Americans wanted 50% of Mexico and Mexicans didn't agree? And expand without war where? Onto Mexican teritorry?

If you like having Texas, say so. If you think it's fine we kill people and take their land, say so. If you think it's fine we invade foreign countries, say so. If you think we own the world, say so. No reason for beating around the bush, you must understand that trying to explain your own nation's actions as being a fault of others is going to be seen as weak and cowardly. Just say: "I think it's this way, but I'm American, so what do you expect?" I can respect that.

Christine, you must understand that the white man owns the world. Well, less than 1% of white men is more accurate, but never you mind that - we chose to blame the "white man", otherwise its tough to incite divide-and-conquer racist response from the uneducated and borderline retarded white christian culture here in the US.

We also have to maintain marginally better circumstances for the white trash than for the rest of the population here in US, just to be able to maintain the race divide. This is quite alright, since the favor is marginal and linear, no matter how we treat the nation as a whole. The ultimate goal is to have everyone starving, while the whites are bearly having anything to eat - in that situation there is no political opposition to us.

We also have to keep a close tab on women and gay people of all colors, because they are showing a worrying democratic streak when in leadership positions. This is usually best done as a side effect of dire financial straits for the ordinary family. It is especially useful to keep white women afraid of anything darker than snow. For every Howard Zinn we need ten Reverend Taggards.

"we have faced the enemy and it is us!"

I agree with you there. Communist or corporatist, the exploiters are the same. I believe H. Zinn is one of the few who was in the right place, both heart and mind.

Despite the fact that my life work has been against everything people like Howard Zinn stand for, I respected the man and I respect his legacy. I have seen how money and power are made and I know that Zinn is right in at least this: education, media and popular culture create a narrative that has nothing in common with reality.

I have profited on many lies and created one or two big ones myself. I have stepped on many on my way to where I am now and continue to do so. When I see the level of ignorance on the subject, my anger overshadows my shame and I choose to continue. Sometimes I feel as if the despicable "common man" who buys the story of a great nation despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary justifies everything I do.

Howard Zinn and people like him, people who speak clearly in a language I understand instead of repeating one-liners heard on the news, have always made me think twice, slow down and at times even change direction.

Thank you for that much, Mr. Zinn. Yours will be big shoes to fill. Judging by the way you wore them, they might have been more comfortable than mine.