My longtime readers will know that I have often mentioned David Barton, a pseudo-historian who is astonishingly popular with the religious right, and usually with contempt. Barton is probably responsible for more popular myths about church and state and the views of our founding fathers than any other man alive. I came across this critique of his most influential work yesterday. The critique was issued by the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs. Very much worth reading to pick out the innumerable falsehoods and distortions found in his work.
- Log in to post comments
This is really hilarious history! In fact, George Washington was a young commander in one of the first skirmishes of the French and Indian War at Jumonville's Glen in 1754—he lost control of his troops and they massacred a French encampment on the Virginia frontier, killing all but one of the wounded, while Washington stood and did nothing. After the slaughter, the wounded French commander, one ensign Jumonville, told Washington he had been sent as a peaceful emmisary on behalf of Louis XV. The response from Washington's Indian ally, chief Tanaghrisson, was to cleave open ensign Jumonville's skull with his hatchet and wash his hands in the Frenchman's braincase.
Read Fred Anderson's history Crucible of War: The Seven Years' War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754-1766 for a complete account of the French and Indian War and its deep impact on American history.
Fascinating analysis of these spurious claims - thanks for posting it Ed.
I will say, though, that the Baptist Committee missed a key point in undermining Barton's discussion of the rise of "social ills" after the court decisions of 62 - 63. The divorce rate in this country really began to climb in the post WWII period, not in the 60s. It may have increased even more during the 60s and 70s, but the real impact of divorce on the nation begain 20 - 30 years prior.