SEIU District 1199 New Connections Network

Well, it has been over a year since this posting appeared under "Inspiring books and Authors".  Jason suggested I get a copy of Howard Zinn's, "Voices of a People's History of the United States".  I did get a copy of "Voices.." and enjoyed every page. Like needle tracks up a junkies arm, (please dont' take offense here at my choice of simili, I just happen to enjoy poetic license and as a disclaimer, I worked in Mental Health for 20 years and understand the addiction problem!) the books stack up on my end table.  I continuously scan the internet for new fixes and talk with other Unionists to see what is on their reading list.  I just came across an article on the Democracynow.com site and wanted to share here.  I hope that this forum has encouraged some to increase their enthusiasm for expanding their political as well as historic knowlege base. 

While this is not a book I am about to give a link to, I thought it appropriate to post here.  Solidarity.

Howard Zinn's "Rebel Voices" Opens in New York

The new play "Rebel Voices" is based on the book, "Voices of a People's History of the United States," by historian Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove." It features dramatic readings of speeches, letters, poems, songs and petitions of people like Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, as well as contemporary voices such as Iraq war resister Camilo Mejía.

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/11/09/1455254

"Rebel Voices" features dramatic readings of speeches, letters, poems, songs and petitions. They are the words of people throughout U.S. history who have struggled against slavery, racism, war and oppression, people like Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, as well as contemporary voices such as Iraq war resister Camilo Mejía and Patricia Thompson, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina.

Hi Kendra,

First, it does seem the communication has dwindled a bit on this site. I take responsibility for my part in that, but I'm also intent on getting it moving again, especially as I see the MC site as the way to communicate with members in lieu of regular monthly meetings. Seems like the future, only I need some future right now.

Second, on Zinn and "Voices." There are few books--and this is my latest--where I will probably read the whole damn thing, but probably never cover to cover. I love randomly opening a page and reading the reprinted original material on it. If there is something specific I am looking for--such as George Jackson's letters from Soledad Brother or personal accounts of the Hiroshima bombing, the book is in chronological order (oh yeah...and has a table of contents!) and finding something is easy. I treat the book like it's a reference book, but in so doing, I can constantly keep it on my "Currently Reading" list.

Can't wait to see the production of Rebel Voices.

I'll look for you this weekend. It has occured to me that you might not know who I am. I will be particulary interested in trying to steal some time from Debbie H. By the way, the rest of my "Current Reading" list is: The Hobbit (with my 8 year old at bedtime); Guns, Germs, And Steel by Jared Diamond; The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton; Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman; Biblical Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. And I just finished Non-Violence: 25 Lessons from a Dangerous Idea by Mark Kurlansky, borrowed to me from another Eboard member.

Much Peace,

John J. Miller 

Hey John :  Wow.  It has been a while since there has been activity here.  Nice to have a fellow bibliophile on board.  There was a time, if you look back at the older postings, when a book club / exchange was atempted.  I think in this fast paced life we all live, getting together to share inspiration is a great thing.  I hope that this will take place some day.  I think you are correct in that this is an excellent forum to connect with other good Unionists and share ideas.  I am a huge proponent of peolple getting together for good community.  Let's see what happens. 

 I just finished the biography of Malcom X (Alex Haley) and am still floating !!  I appears as if my current fix is taking the form of biographical readings.  Elizabeth Gurley Flynn is next on my list.  Look me up or call the Cleveland office.  Nice to hear from you John.  Solidarity.

Sister Kendra.