LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Monday, September 1, 2008

Whew ... I Think ... I Hope

Whew!

Plenty of damage to go around, nevertheless, I am relieved. Maybe we'll be there the week of the 25th for the classes using the Da Book as scheduled.

Whew! I think ....

Thank you, Jesus.

Some may think that last a sneer, coming from me, but it is expressed in the spirit of those who made the documentary of themselves, Trouble the Water, nearly drowning, when the Industrial Canal failed early on during Katrina, flooded their home's district of the upper 9th. It was in danger of doing so again today.

So, it's September, and school has started. By the middle of August then, requests to be guests at various colleges and universities -- and even one very expensive private -- what? prep school? is that what they're called -- started to arrive. As these are paid gigs, they must be accepted. But still, it's an honor to the work of the books.

Meanwhile, Hanna is still coming on, and three more tropical depressions are forming behind her. We're not out of Hurricane Season yet.

Meanwhile, millions of people are homeless in India from flooding. We should help if we can.

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