Introduction to My Latest Idea: I have been thinking very seriously about writing a short book on American history. Right off the top, I am obliged to say that I am not thinking of a complete history. I am thinking along the lines of certain people and important events which, in my opinion, show the greatness of America and the American spirit.
What I intend NOT to do is write a scholarly history with excruciating detail.
My intention is to, with the reader, take a personal stroll down the pleasant path of American history.
I am beginning this little endeavor by, monthly, posting an abbreviated chapter of the book on my website and writing articles for my website’s monthly newsletter. If things seem to be working out, I will transform it into a book.
Firstly, let me say that I am a little nervous about writing a book on American history because I have neither the background nor the the credentials to consider myself a historian. Well, I have read a couple of books.
Why?
So, why did I decide I could write such a book? Let me tell you.
I started thinking about what I know.
I have some knowledge and, because of my age, I have had experiences unknown to many Americans today.
I was born at the tail-end of the Great Depression. Because of that, I don’t want to hear some kid who has a cell phone and is covered with tattoos crying about hard times.
When I went to school, schools taught English. I actually learned what the objective and subjective cases are. Our teachers actually taught us how to use pronouns. For example, had I said to a teacher, and not just an English teacher, “Him and me went to a movie,” I may not be alive today.
When I went to school, schools taught American history. You know, real history and not something that some jerk thought it should be.
Civics
When I went to school, schools taught civics. I actually learned about our government and how it works.
My family were not “dirt poor” but money was right hard to come by. My parents taught me that, if I wanted to elevate my position in life, I needed to learn and work. Work hard.
I am rather concerned about the way history, especially American history, is being rewritten these days. It seems to me that many who claim to write history are very slanted against my Country. They write with an attempt to place Twenty-First Century ethics and morals on earlier generations. That is wrong. History should be written as facts and not opinions. The manner in which an Eighteenth Century man judged certain things is, in many ways, completely different than the way that the same thing may be judged today. In other words, just tell the truth and leave opinion to the reader. Just because something is considered wrong today doesn’t mean it was wrong 300 years ago. A good historian would make the reader understand that. Over time, things change.
To give you an excellent example of how subtle and devious rewritten history can be, a few years back I saw a picture of Winston Churchill, and his mouth looked to be twisted in an odd fashion. Well, the picture was a lie. Mr. Churchill’s mouth was in a funny shape because the cigar he was smoking had been removed from the picture. That is changing history. “Churchill smoked cigars and I don’t approve of that so I will remove the cigar.” I don’t like liars, especially liars who distort history.
Patriots
Now, I will admit that I am a very patriotic American. I love my Country and its Constitution. I will also admit that my opinion will slip in to various parts of my writings of history. But this I promise you: I will make every possible effort to make the reader aware that it is my opinion and not fact.
I did write the history book, entitled “A Stroll Through American History” by H.D. Ingles.
