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January 2025

Who Controls Our History Controls Our Future

Special thanks to Sharon Jarrett

The meeting began with a reflection which employed the statement “He who controls

the past controls the future”.

The group focused on the concept that “traditional”; historical narratives were being

revealed to not, in fact, reflect history as revealed in primary source materials,

contemporaneous reporting and oral history. Many participants reported finding this

emerging knowledge to be unsettling and disturbing.

Many examples were provided by the participants of historical matters they were

unaware of such as the role of African American women in the suffrage movement, the

Tulsa Massacre, the Mt Meadow massacre, and the new information on the events of

the Alamo.  The fact that these events are being revealed to be very different from the

history taught in the past led to a brief discussion of the myth of history rather than fact

of history.  Several participants reported feeling this was endangering the country.

One participant noted that beyond the facts not being taught, current education did not

teach students how to judge facts and sources, make judgements or ask questions. 

Students are not taught the skills to be a critical thinker.

The group next reflected on the appropriateness of having varied laws on voting among

the states.   The question was raised about the federal level determining how voting

proceeded.  No conclusions were reached.

One participant suggested familiarizing ourselves with the work of Marshall Rosenberg

in the book “Compassionate Communication”.  The author outlines a process for

discussion including:

•  observing the behavior of those you are engaged with
  
•  identifying your feelings about this behavior
  
•  stating your needs 
  
•  respectfully requesting changes in behavior

Starting conversations locally using these processes was discussed.  Included was the

suggestion that using elements of the sharing economy can be an open way to begin. 

One participant shared how her neighbors changed when she placed a mini lending

library in her yard, then began sharing vegetables from her garden and eggs from her

hens.  An environment of trust was established and a willingness to be open to

discussion.

The meeting concluded with another thought for reflection...appreciate others and care

for yourself.

The next meeting is scheduled for August 20th at 12 PM PST.

The regular meeting scheduled for the first Friday of the month, August 6th, has been

canceled due to other personal commitments of the moderator. We hope to see everyone

again on the third Friday.