President Lincoln and the Sioux Indian uprising in Minnesota in 1862

[Rob Wick]

If you look at the way American History has been taught in the public schools over the course of the 20th century, it was generally done in such a way as to inculcate patriotism, especially during the times of massive immigration (to show newcomers the greatness of their adopted country) and during the Cold War (as an object lesson showing the benefits of democracy vs. communism). Personally, it wasn't until i got to college that I discovered there was another side to American history. James Loewen has made a pretty good career out of showing what textbooks have left out.

As for those "savages" it seems obvious that Lincoln must have thought something was wrong with the verdicts or he wouldn't have taken the political risk of commuting the sentences of so many. What Rodney King or Katrina has to do with this dicussion I have no idea, so I won't comment on that.

Best
Rob