History provides us with numerous tragedies that are as bewildering as they are horrifying. How could a nation, committed to freedom and the belief that “all men are created equal,” tolerate a system of labor that enslaved millions of black people for 2 1/2 centuries? How could a powerful civilized European nation condemn 6…

            Not many social movements in American history can challenge the abolitionist crusade in terms of entertainment, excitement, and violence. As Ernest Bormann notes, “few reforms have been supported by so many inspired, dedicated, involved, and admirable people and few by as many crackpots, radicals, neurotics, and fanatics.”[1] The antislavery movement was at its peak…

I. Name Calling Hosts A well-known radio talk show host suggests that a young woman who testified to Congress about insurance coverage for contraceptives is a “slut” and a “prostitute.”              A TV news commentator refers to the President as a “retard.”              A different TV commentator refers to a different President as “a rube”…