HISTORY: Hope for the future

Ralph K. Ginorio wrote an outstanding article in the June 29 Coeur d’Alene Press “My Turn” about the need to teach accurate U.S. and world history in our high schools. I attended middle and high school in Idaho through the 1950s and ’60s and received a watered-down version of history (which put a lot of students to sleep). I found more scholarly versions at Boise College (now BSU) and have been hooked ever since.

It seems to me, as a society and at this time, we are now mirroring past events that led to catastrophe. The old practice of divide and conquer are now at play. The study of where we have been may help us alter the path, when we see it leading to previously known perils. Have we recently made a wrong turn in our choice of leadership because of ignorance of our history? Where will we end up if we continue to vote and make decisions based on opinions rather than actual facts?

To place more emphasis on factual history for our children, as Mr. Ginorio suggests, is a good bet on a better future.

GORDON SANDERS

Coeur d’Alene