Imperialism is the factor in American policy, not just since 1898, but in fact long before it when we were expanding across this continent and taking away Indian lands in order to enlarge the territory of the United States. We have been an imperial power and an expansionist power for a very long time.
Howard ZinnVoting is easy and marginally useful, but it is a poor substitute for democracy, which requires direct action by concerned citizens.
Howard ZinnIโm worried that students will take their obedient place in society and look to become successful cogs in the wheel - let the wheel spin them around as it wants without taking a look at what theyโre doing. Iโm concerned that students not become passive acceptors of the official doctrine thatโs handed down to them from the White House, the media, textbooks, teachers and preachers.
Howard ZinnIf democracy were to be given any meaning, if it were to go beyond the limits of capitalism and nationalism, this would not come, if history were any guide, from the top. It would come through citizen's movements, educating, organizing, agitating, striking, boycotting, demonstrating, threatening those in power with disruption of the stability they needed.
Howard ZinnCapitalism has always been a failure for the lower classes. It is now beginning to fail for the middle classes.
Howard ZinnThe term anarchism has become associated with two phenomena with which real anarchist don't want to associate themselves with. One is violence, and the other is disorder or chaos. The popular conception of anarchism is on the one hand bomb-throwing and terrorism, and on the other hand no rules, no regulations, no discipline, everybody does what they want, confusion, etc. That is why there is a reluctance to use the term anarchism.
Howard Zinn