Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Pedantry

Where have I claimed all were of a single mind?

Uh...we BOTH have implied that numerous times.

I'm reading the personal accounts of men like Martin and Collins.

Haven't read much of Collins. But I own and have read Joseph Plumb Martin's autobiography. GREAT read. Really enjoyed it.

My eyes are being opened regarding the way things were during that war.

Do you think that the common person's perspective is the only perspective worth studying? Shouldn't you also read some of the writings, speeches, diaries of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson? Aren't they important too?

I have never, ever, heard any historian make the claim that the Revolutionary War was also a very real civil war until I began reading Raphael.

Well, then, with all due respect, you haven't read much about the Revolutionary War. Not trying to be "confrontational," but you set yourself up for that. Virtually all of the books I've read about the Revolutionary War acknowledge that it was as much a civil war as anything else. In fact, one of the first books I ever read on the subject was titled Brother Against Brother. Read it in junior high school. Been hooked on the Revolutionary War ever since!

And, I plainly see that it was just that exactly.

Yes, it was.

Instead of putting down men like Zinn and Raphael, you might do well to encourage people to read and study their American history so they can gain a better understanding regarding what is taking place in America today.

Errrr...I HAVE recommended Raphael's book and Zinn's book. In fact, I provided a list of recommended books and resources in one of these threads a while back, and mentioned Raphael's book rather on it - if you recall. When I was the editor of the American Revolution section (which Suite unfortunately discontinued), I used Raphael's book as a REGULAR and FREQUENT source for my articles!

When I criticize Zinn and Raphael, I do so as one who has READ THEIR STUFF and USED it. Okay?

Are these men above criticism, Pink? Can't I point out where they go wrong?

Pedantry is not a good method for motivating others to learn.

If you want to call me pedantic, fine. In my opinion (for whatever that's worth to you), a person should BALANCE their study of American history. You have made the Howard Zinn and Ray Raphael school of historical study your MAIN and PRIMARY approach to studying history. I believe that is wrong. You should balance that out. IF you're going to read Ray Raphael, fine. BALANCE IT OUT by also reading David McCullough's 1776. Okay?