Over the ensuing years, I saw Howard and his wonderful wife Roz many times, though not often enough. He was always astonishingly upbeat, friendly, funny, unpretentious and right on politically and culturally. If there was ever a definition of "national treasure," it is Howard Zinn. Nor did he change a bit. After Roz passed away, he still remained lively and committed, with his unerring instincts still in tact, and his willingness to speak truth to power undeterred.
A few months ago, I took another gamble and sent him
another manuscript. I actually wrote the first draft in 1976 but only
recently got an irresistible compulsion to finish it and put it
out. It's an out-there parody of the American Revolution, Passions of the Pot-Smoking Patriots,
featuring George Washington as a gay weed-head, Ben Franklin as a
wayward philanderer, and much more. Not exactly the kind of book you
might think to send America's pre-eminent historian.
But Howard, being Howard, read it quickly, and sent back a glowing blurb. I really do think he got a kick out of it and had absolutely no qualms about being identified with a book even "farther out" than the one I'd sent him nearly 40 years ago. I can't begin to say how much it hurts to now have him gone. His presence in my life, like the lives of so many others, was of immeasurable power, a source of endless joy and inspiration. He was mentor, guide, role-model and beacon, in word and deed, and just through the nature of his being. It's hard to believe I won't hear his voice again. But, of course, his presence remains within us all.
So, thanks Howard. Give our love to Roz, ok?
I think I'll just let this stand "as is," Harvey, a perfect tribute
to Howard. Thank you for talking with me. Anyone else with
a story about Howard? Please share.
We mustn't let Howard slip quickly from the public consciousness. To allow that to happen would dishonor the tremendous contribution he made to both understanding our history and acting upon it to bring about change and social justice. The melding of knowledge and activism is what Howard Zinn was all about.
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