Monday, April 30, 2007

Haley's Roots not the Comet

My childhood memories of watching the "most watched TV miniseries in history" -- Alex Haley's "Roots" -- are very vivid although it was nearly 30 years ago that I saw this powerful portrayal of the USA's slavery industry.

Starting in May 2007 the "Roots" story, based on Alex Haley's family history, will be re-introduced to the world via:

  • A new edition of his book published by Vanguard Press (US$16), and
  • A video/DVD from Warner Home Video (US$60)

As America continues to struggle with race relations this Roots re-release is very timely especially when an African-American -- US Senator Barack Obama -- is one of the Democratic Party's front runner for the 2008 presidential election.

Speaking of the Democratic Party -- I would encourage Senator Obama to read Eric Foner's book, "Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men" , a history of the Republican Party:

http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=90104191

This book provides a thorough history of the Democratic Party's campaign to keep slavery LEGAL in the USA.

Clearly a book that should be read in today's poor, inner city public schools as a way to encourage school choice options.

Todd

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