Fact is we are all humans and America is certainly not the first nation to get duped into following a madman against our best interests or having national arrogance.  Nothing unique here.  If anything, we've finally been presented with the evidence that, alas, we are not immune to the horrors that have faced other, we are no longer exceptional.  Good lesson to learn, IMO.

I've taken no scientific polls, but a ton of people see Bush for what he is, know that what we are doing is wrong, and what to change it.  I can't walk down a street without seeing a sticker or flyer or button calling for an end to the war.  I was in Dennis Hastert's district this weekend and there were symbolic coffins lining the streets and a permanent anti-war exhibit.  And everyone was honking and clapping for them!  So it looks like people are coming around to admitting that they may have been wrong...

I love Zinn and think he is required reading but his statements here seems a bit shy of the realistic.  We do need to face our history, but I do think we are beginning to.  And to challenge the current culture.  

I don't know, I guess the whole idea that American's aren't capable of something is not only annoying, but not constructive.  Are we willing to, and what things need to be in place for us to "recognize the truth about ourselves"?  Education is a huge prerequistite.  Ignorance is different than but can lead to arrogance.  Let's spend our time educating and challenging people instead of judging them as incapable.  Because judging is only going to make them more resistant to our efforts.

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire