Jim McGinnis's Blog
December 7, 2016
December 2016
I wanted to let you know that my book (“Tending to the Past-Reflections of an American History Teacher”) will be out as an Audiobook within the next week. It will be available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. Of course, the hard copy is also available on Amazon.com and other fine establishments. In addition, I’m happy to announce an Amazon giveaway event. See details below.
Thank you,
JM
amazon.com/author/jim.mcginnis
See this #AmazonGiveaway for a chance to win: Tending to the Past: Reflections of an American History Teacher. https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/b43b583... NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends the earlier of Dec 13, 2016 11:59 PM PST, or when all prizes are claimed. See Official Rules http://amzn.to/GArules.
Thank you,
JM
amazon.com/author/jim.mcginnis
See this #AmazonGiveaway for a chance to win: Tending to the Past: Reflections of an American History Teacher. https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/b43b583... NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends the earlier of Dec 13, 2016 11:59 PM PST, or when all prizes are claimed. See Official Rules http://amzn.to/GArules.
March 16, 2016
March 16
“I’ve lived a rich life, which you may not hear often from a public educator, of course rich in lessons, both from giving and receiving with enough of both to fill a book My intent was to say some things about public education that needed saying—especially American History Education.”
“I’ve grown protective of my profession. I want students in the future to experience education as I have. “I was blessed with some exceptional teachers. Unfortunately, unless there’s a dramatic change to our approach, I don’t think my grandkids are going to experience that great human aspect of school. Now I’m sure some folks disagree with Quinn’s (main character) opinions, but at the very least, maybe the words in the book will open up that debate.”-JM
“I’ve grown protective of my profession. I want students in the future to experience education as I have. “I was blessed with some exceptional teachers. Unfortunately, unless there’s a dramatic change to our approach, I don’t think my grandkids are going to experience that great human aspect of school. Now I’m sure some folks disagree with Quinn’s (main character) opinions, but at the very least, maybe the words in the book will open up that debate.”-JM
March 10, 2016
To those who have read or plan to read Tending to the Past:
Thank you. In writing the book, my intent was not to sell a bunch of copies, but to open up a dialogue about this country. I hope that the narrative doesn’t obscure what I believe to be the essential point of the book—the critical importance of America’s history. If you’ve been paying attention to the campaign circus, maybe you will appreciate my argument.
Yes, life must be lived forward, but as Kierkegaard said, “it can only be understood backward.” These are contentious political times, and our inability or unwillingness to sit down and find middle ground is proof that we’re disconnected from the principles we profess to love.
The Founders spoke in present tense. They knew their own shortcomings, but they embraced a notion of the expansive nature of liberty and equality. If we don’t learn the beginnings, how can we hope to grasp a perception of expanding freedom and justice? Unfortunately, we often take shortcuts and speak of wisdom severed from its original context. In our haste, we love to raid the coffers—to pick and choose the words of the Founders to suit our designs. The danger is that we gradually cut ourselves off from the founding principles, and the truth loses its real meaning.
America may be more than the collective wisdom of the Founders, but that is to say that the house is more than the foundation. Sure, it’s more, but it isn’t less. It sure as hell isn’t less.
Hell, the seeds of the Revolution were sown in a Boston tavern! many people who will go to great lengths to steer clear of any political conversations. What are the two possible results of having a political debate? It will either bolster your views; or heaven help us, it may influence you to change your opinions. But it should not be risky to relationships to discuss, debate, and argue politics. The very essence of democracy requires the free exchange of ideas—not merely between our leaders, but also among citizens.
Yes, life must be lived forward, but as Kierkegaard said, “it can only be understood backward.” These are contentious political times, and our inability or unwillingness to sit down and find middle ground is proof that we’re disconnected from the principles we profess to love.
The Founders spoke in present tense. They knew their own shortcomings, but they embraced a notion of the expansive nature of liberty and equality. If we don’t learn the beginnings, how can we hope to grasp a perception of expanding freedom and justice? Unfortunately, we often take shortcuts and speak of wisdom severed from its original context. In our haste, we love to raid the coffers—to pick and choose the words of the Founders to suit our designs. The danger is that we gradually cut ourselves off from the founding principles, and the truth loses its real meaning.
America may be more than the collective wisdom of the Founders, but that is to say that the house is more than the foundation. Sure, it’s more, but it isn’t less. It sure as hell isn’t less.
Hell, the seeds of the Revolution were sown in a Boston tavern! many people who will go to great lengths to steer clear of any political conversations. What are the two possible results of having a political debate? It will either bolster your views; or heaven help us, it may influence you to change your opinions. But it should not be risky to relationships to discuss, debate, and argue politics. The very essence of democracy requires the free exchange of ideas—not merely between our leaders, but also among citizens.
February 18, 2016
February 6, 2016
Youtube Reading 2
Tending to the Past-the notion of democracy- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKbGn...
February 4, 2016
Youtube Readings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrCCJ...
First of a series of readings from Tending to the Past hits youtube tonight. Give it a listen...many more to come
First of a series of readings from Tending to the Past hits youtube tonight. Give it a listen...many more to come
January 1, 2016
hopes for the future
My New Years Wish:
"No fear. No envy. No meanness."
-Liam Clancy 1961
#ClancyBrothers #Dylan #tendingtothepast
"No fear. No envy. No meanness."
-Liam Clancy 1961
#ClancyBrothers #Dylan #tendingtothepast
December 21, 2015
St. Augustine excerpt
So, where’d you go to school?”
“Flagler,” she answered.
“Oh, St. Augustine, one of my favorite towns,” he said.
“That’s right…history guy,” said Jodi.
“Yeah, and a bar guy…there’s a little place called the Milltop. The Milltop Tavern and Listening Room…right down on St. George Street…cold beer…guy with a guitar…view of the fort and the Matanzas River.”
“A little ‘divey,’ don’t you think,” Jodi replied.
“Absolutely,” Quinn said, talking with his mouth full.
“So, Ms. Richardson, what did Flagler College teach you about Faulkner?” His wheels were turning now.
“A little.”
“I once had students who were direct descendants of William Faulkner…two sisters, wonderful girls.”
Jodi seemed impressed. “The past is never gone,” she said.
“It’s not even past.” Quinn finished the quote.
-JM (from Tending to the Past ) 2015
“Flagler,” she answered.
“Oh, St. Augustine, one of my favorite towns,” he said.
“That’s right…history guy,” said Jodi.
“Yeah, and a bar guy…there’s a little place called the Milltop. The Milltop Tavern and Listening Room…right down on St. George Street…cold beer…guy with a guitar…view of the fort and the Matanzas River.”
“A little ‘divey,’ don’t you think,” Jodi replied.
“Absolutely,” Quinn said, talking with his mouth full.
“So, Ms. Richardson, what did Flagler College teach you about Faulkner?” His wheels were turning now.
“A little.”
“I once had students who were direct descendants of William Faulkner…two sisters, wonderful girls.”
Jodi seemed impressed. “The past is never gone,” she said.
“It’s not even past.” Quinn finished the quote.
-JM (from Tending to the Past ) 2015
December 3, 2015
Book Signing
Book Signing Party for "Tending to the Past" Wednesday, December 9 from 4-7 at Meg O'Malley's in Downtown Melbourne. Books will be available for purchase. Hope to see you there.
JM
JM
