Where Was Everyone?

Last night I was privileged to attend a performance of the LA Theatre Works: Top Secret, the story behind the publishing of the Pentagon Papers.

It was a fantastic performance, and made me think back to those times. I was totally unaware of politics in those days. I was 21 years old and studying in France with Nadia Boulanger on the day in 1971 when they were published. In fact, I was pretty unaware of what was going on in Viet Nam at the time. The other thought, when watching this performance, is the parallel between what was going on at this time and what has been happening in the U.S. over the past few years.

What was interesting was how few people were in the audience. I believe the UAPresents administrative staff made reduced tickets available to school systems and teachers. And the house wasn't even half-full.

Every high school (and maybe middle school) history and middle school teacher and class along with the UA and Pima Community College history and political science instructors/professors and their classes should have been sitting in that theatre.

George Santayana said "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." I would amend that by changing "remember" to "understand." Last night's performance was a wonderful opportunity to understand a little more about our history.

(Jill - thanks!)